1 






Class. 
Book. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 



Jl Dramatic SegnuL 



BY NOELL RADECLIFFE, 



AUTHOR OF 



ALICE WENTWORTH," " THE LEES OE BLENDON HALL," ETC. 



■yf. 



" E ]a cara di Cristo e fida ancella 
Ch' elesse il ben della piu nobil vita." 

Tasso— Gerusalemme liberate, Canto XL, Stanza 9. 




LONDON : 

SAUNDERS, OTLEY, AND CO., CONDUIT STREET. 

1859. 






."., ; L,- 



The ideas which have expanded into the follow- 
ing " Dramatic Legend " were suggested partly by 
Miicke's picture of Angels carrying St. Katharine of 
Alexandria to her tomb on Mount Sinai, partly by the 
traditionary accounts of her beauty, her learning, her 
enthusiastic devotion, her mystical espousals, and the 
persecution she underwent. Retaining these main 
points however, I have not been scrupulous in adhering 
to her precise story, as related in Biographies of the 
Saints, but have woven into it some details which — 
perhaps — more properly belong to that of her namesake, 
St. Katharine of Sienna. 

N. E. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS, 

Lycophron, a wealthy Citizen of Alexandria. 
Nicanor, his Kinsman. 

Archippus, a Friend of Lycophron and Nicanor. 
Porphyrius, a Citizen of Antioch. 
GrALLUS, the Roman Proconsul. 

Lysias, a Christian, formerly the Slave of Lycophron's 
brother. 

Alcimus, a Christian Elder. 

The Priest of the Christian Community in Alexandria. 

Hegesander, an Alexandrian Citizen of low condition. 

A Centurion. 

A Lybian Slave. 

Soldiers, Slaves, Citizens, Chorus of Christians, fyc. 

Katharina, daughter of Lycophron. 

Theodora, her Nurse. 

Clymene and Leucippe, Wife and Sister of Lysias. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. Lycophron's House. The Women's Apart- 
ment, opening into an inner court adorned, with statues 
and vases of flowers. 

katharina and Theodora at their 



THEODORA. 

Thy firmness, Katharina, will ere long 
Be tried. 

KATHARINA. 

How tried ? What mean'st thou, Theodora ? 

THEODORA. 

Last night I heard thy father tell Erastus 

That he — perchance this day — expects the coming 

Of young Porphyrins, son of" that Ephesian 

Whom most he prized among his friends of old. — 

From Antioch (where his mother's kin have bred him) 

The youth is hast'ning ; for what end — guess thou ! 

KATHARINA. 

It cannot be my father should forget 
The word he pledged me ! 

THEODORA. 

Nor hath he forgot. 
He heeds his vow ; but fain would he be loosed 
Therefrom by thine own will ; and in that hope, 
Once more unto a change thereof he '11 move thee. 



- ST. KATHARINE O] LLEXANDRIA. 

K \ 11 1 AIM N v (asidi i. 

Vain is his hope! but not mi mine own strength 
I Kan for pow'r to strive with one so loving, 
Albeit so blinded. 

lycopiirox enters, katharina and theodora rise, 
and Theodora retires to a little distance, lyco- 
phron, after greeting his daughter, scuts himself on a 
couch, while katharina stands respectfully I >c.<i<l<_> him. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Child, at thy desire, 
A lustre back (thou Avert fifteen that day), 
I pledged me to forego the right whereby 
Thy father could require thy full obedience 
To his award, as touched thy lot in marriage. 

katharina. 

Yea father, of thy goodness I enjoy 

This freedom here to dwell in mine own home, 

In blest virginity. 

LYCOPHRON. 

I meant not, daughter, 
Nor said, that thou shouldst waste thy flow'r of youth, 
E'en till it wither, in the lonely quest 
Of wisdom or of holiness ; nor yet 
That thou shouldst tend mine age, uncheered, unaided 
By ties more glad'ning ; I but told thee, maiden, 
That none should own thee, save such one as fate 
Made pleasing in thine eyes. 

katharina. 

And I might prove 
Right hard to please. 

LYCOPHRON. 

So are ye all, until 
Ye 've seen the youth predestined. Sit thee down 
Beside me here. Now hearken. Katharina; 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. o 

Thou know'st that from thy cradle thou wast promised 

Unto Porphyrius, son of Hyparinus. 

Father and son were both my guests, what time 

Thy mother bore thee ; when I told my friend 

" "T was but a girl the gods had granted me," 

He pointed to his boy, who at our feet 

Sat playing, and then spoke, " If that thou wilt, 

Behold in him thy son ! three lustres hence 

A blythesome bridal shall unite the pair!" 

I grasped his hand, and with an oath we bound 

Our souls, that naught save death, or foul dishonour 

Of either of the twain we thus betrothed, 

Should hinder us from mingling of our blood 

By tie so fair. I saw not Hyparinus 

Again — his thread was early cut ; but soon 

As of his death I heard, unto his brother 

I wrote renewed assurance of the bond 

Knitted in this our city, and bestowing 

My daughter on Porphyrius ; since I deemed not 

My vow less weighty for that he to whom 

'T was uttered, had departed. In the name 

Of my friend's son, an answ'ring pledge was giv'n me, 

And unto him I deemed thee surely bound, 

Until that morn, when yielding to thy pray'r, 

I loosed, unwillingly, the knot that tied thee 

To one whose youth, perchance, had not fulfilled 

The promise of his childhood. I did send 

Erastus unto Antioch, to make known 

That I was minded to defer thy marriage 

Until thy twentieth year, determining 

That if, when came that time, thou found'st Porphyrius 

Unlike to that his father's son should be, 

I 'd give to him the daughter of Nicanor, 

Our kinsman, with a dowry rich as thine. 

katharina {embracing lycophron). 

Thou hast right well devised, most gen'rous father, 
How thou may'st give this youth all worldly profit 
Of thine alliance, sparing yet thy child ; 
And gladly will I deck Arsinoe 
In bridal wreath and veil. 

b 2 



1- 8T. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

LI COPHRON. 

It may be, daughter, 
Thyself will wear the crown thou talk'sl of setting 

Upon a brow less fair. Arsinoe 
May well content her with a meaner bridegroom 
Than I for thee should claim. Nay, hearken still ; 
Such was my purpose, if this same Porphyrins 
Proved base of soul, or foul of form, had lavished 
His time and wealth in sottish joys or lawless. 
But they that have beheld him, who have known 
What 's told of him in Antioch, bring me Avord, 
That my friend's son, both in his mind and semblance, 
Is that my friend was once. Wherefore, me thinketh 
He should be worthy thee — and thou wilt find 
Thy bliss in thine obedience. 

katharina {after a pause). 
I had deemed, 
Father 

LYCOPHRON. 

That I would let thee cheat thyself 
Out of all gladness of thy life ! I told thee 
Thy fancy should be heeded, and the youth 
Is warned thereof; he knows that I have bound me 
To give thee but to one who in thine eyes 
Could merit love ! He comes, content to try 
His fortune ; thou shalt look on him or e'er 
I fix thy doom. Thou fear'st lest, spite of fame, 
Thy bridegroom be ill-favoured? 

KATHARINA. 

Nay, my father, 
I rather deem that they have truly spoken, 
Who told thee that the son of Hyparinus 
Was wise and goodly as his sire. But be he 
As fair of form as is the marble image 
Of him men call the Sun-God, be his spirit 
Mighty and keen as their's whom earth has held 
Her wisest, still, he wins him not thy daughter. 

LYCOPHRON. 

No ! then whom wouldst thou wed withal ? Come, 
tell me ! 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 5 

KATHARINA. 

With one whose beauty is unfading, endless, 
As the bright stars above us ! One whose might 
Exceeds Imperial glory ! One whose wisdom 
Is by naught else excelled than by the love 
Wherewith he doth embrace whate'er will turn 
To him for help and hope ! To such a lord 
I fain would knit my soul. 

LYCOPHRON. 

And where wilt thou 
Find such ? 

KATHARINA. 

Not on this earth ! 

LYCOPHRON. 

'T is well thou knowest 
So much ! 

KATHARINA. 

No ; here below I find him not ; 
Yet I of him may still be found ! At least, 
1 11 wait for him till death. My maidenhead 
Is unto him devoted. 

LYCOPHRON. 

I perceive 
That thou art minded to resist my will ; 
And shroud'st thy disobedience in a mist 
Of visionary hopes and fears, all taught thee 
By that wild Christian lore, wherefrom 't was mine 
T 1 have better guarded thee ! But who could deem 
(Noting the eager love that did impel thee 
To search through Plato's page) that thou wouldst stoop 
From study of that high philosophy, 
To feed on Jewish legends, and delight thee 
With ravings of those men who hold it virtue 
To spurn the gods our city bids us rev'rence ! 

KATHARINA. 

To that philosophy my spirit clung, 

So long I knew naught firmer, whereupon 



6 ST. CATHARINE 01 ALEXANDRIA. 

To Kan me; ' >ut what man by Btretch of thought 
Could but conceive, hath God himself declared 
In form of man. 

LYCOPHRON. 
\h. so thou say'st. I care not, 
Though in thy mind this doctrine do excel 
That which beneath the porch, or in the grove, 
Hath been set forth (in speech more fair, I trow, 
Than thy rude teachers boast), so thou content thee 
"With reading of their scrolls, with due fulfilment 
Of their unjoyous rites ; but if thou make 
A mantle for rebellion of that folly, 
Bethink thee, Katharina, that thy father, 
No less than priests and rulers, can forbid 
Thy sharing in the weekly feast observed 
By them this superstition blinds. I He spared thee 
Till now ; henceforth I were but fondly foolish, 
Leaving thee free to work thine own undoing ! 

KATHARINA. 

Say, father, Iioav should rites thus pure and holy 
Undo us who partake them ? 

LYCOPHRON. 

They divide 
The daughter from the sire — set bars that part 
The bridegroom from the bride ! Therefore I hate 
That lore of thine. 

KATHARINA. 

Oh father, speak not thus ! 

LYCOPHRON. 

And hatest thou not mine? I well believe 
Thou lov'st me still ; not yet unto thy pale 

And bleeding God hast thou so yielded up 

Thy heart, that thou shouldst banish thence thy father! 

But thou abhor'st those blessed ones, before 
Whose glorious forms I bow ; yea, shudderest 

At sight of our Olympians: while / fain 

Would grant a place unto thy Crucified 

E'en on our hearth, so thou wouldst but fulfil 

In weightier things my bidding ! 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. i 

KATHARINA. 

To thy gods 
Thou art not bound as I to mine ! For thee 
They died not ; scarce dost thou believe their being ; 
Still less thou 'dst seek to mould thee in their likeness, 
Who sinned more foully — so their legends tell — 
Than frailest men. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Take heed — take heed. / hold thee 
But rash and over zealous ; there be those 
Would call thee impious. 

KATHARINA. 

It may be. 

slave {entering). 

A stranger, 
My lord, doth wait within the hall for leave 
To greet thee. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Is 't a youth ? 

SLAVE. 

He hath not passed 
His age's flow'r, of form is tall and goodly. 

LYCOPHRON. 

It is Porphyrins ! Guide him hither, boy ! 

[Exit Slave. 
katharina {rising). 
Hither ! 

LYCOPHRON. 

Yes, hither ; true, this hall is giv'n 
To thee and to thy damsels ; but no less 
'T is mine, as is the dwelling from the roof 
To the foundation ; and thou scarce need'st fear 
Bold eye or daring speech, when 't is thy father 
Receives the guest. Thou art not called to bear 
Thy part in welcoming the stranger youth 
Thus soon ! 

[katharina retires, and seats herself be- 
side Theodora, where a curtain conceals 
her from the view of porphyrius as he 
enters the apartment. 



8 3T. KATH \i;im; OF ali.\a ndkia. 

LYCOPHROM to POEPHYEIUS {embracing htm). 
I ask qo1 who thou art ! Thy features 
Are those of Hyparinus in his prime. 

PORPHYRI1 s. 

I thank the gods that thus my form makes known 
My lineage to my father's friend. 

LYCOPHRON. 

I thin 
Would graft thee this same day into my house, 
At once would give thee that wherefore thou 'rt come 

This weary way ! but I may not so speed 

Unto my word's fulfilment as my heart 

Doth urge me. Think not youth, therefore 

PORPHYRIUS. 

I came not, 
Oh Lycophron, to claim as right what thou 
May'st grant, or yet withhold, as thou shalt deem 
'Tis meet and well. But be therein thy pleasure 
Such as it may, I 've gladly travelled hither, 
If only to renew the kindliness 
Of those past days, which to my memory 
(Blended with recollections of my sire) 
So oft return, when once before I dwelt 
A guest in thine abode. 

LYCOPHRON. 

To stately manhood 
Those twenty years have brought thee; I the while 
Have known life's cares and burdens; but at sight 
( )f thee, my son, it is as though my youth 
Warmed me afresh ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

More lovingly I 'm welcomed 
Than hope had promised me, albeit I looked not 
For a eold greeting. I had earlier known 
( A \ . by mi hour) how happily 't is given me 
T<> please a hosl so honoured, were it not 
! tarried at my entrance in this city 
Hcark'ninjr to that I liked not. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. [) 

LYCOPHRON. 

Wherefore linger 
To hear that did mislike thee ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

'T was because 
Methought 't was well to learn the verge and bearing 
Of somewhat that did meet mine ear. 'T was false ; 
Thereof I doubted not — awhile I doubted 
If I should warn thee of th' injurious tale 
Men tell of thee. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Of me, my son ? What say they ? 

PORPHYRIUS, 

An Alexandrian, to his home returning, 
With me passed through the city gate ; there met him 
His friend, of whom he asked, " What latest rumour 
Gave work to busy tongues ? " and by their talk 
I straight perceived, that they who envy thee 
Thy wisdom and thy wealth, have said thy house 
Doth shelter Christians ! Yea, have spread the lie 
Till it hath upward reached to the Proconsul, 
Who — if these truly spake — o'ertrustingly 
Heeds their report, whose wits cannot discern 
Betwixt divine Philosophy's pursuit 
And idlest superstition. 

LYCOPHRON. 

For thy warning 
I thank thee ; but the news thereof may scarce 
Amaze me. 

PORPHYRIUS, 

Hast thou then, in this thy city, 
Such ruthless foes, that thou, from very custom, 
Tak'st calumny thus meekly ? 

LYCOPHRON. 

Till this hour 
I knew not I was slandered ; say, Porphyrius, 
Named they the Christian guest I harbour here ? 



10 BT. KATHARINE Ol ALEXANDRIA. 

POBPHYR] l B. 

So far they ventured not ; but yet they spake 

A.s though they M heard enough to breed thee periL 

Wherefore 



katharina (starting forward, and now first becoming 
visibh to PORPHYRIUS, who gazes on her with mingled, 

astonishment and admiration). 

No peril shall o'ertake my father ! 
For I, who 've wrought him this, will straight declare 
Unto our rulers that 't is I — I only — 
Who worship in this house the Crucified ! 

LYCOPHRON. 

Abide, abide ! Wait, girl, till they shall ask thee 
Of this thy faith ! 

KATHARINA. 

The hour is come that dooms me 
To witness thereunto. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Not yet. Ofttimes 
Thou 'st said thy new religion looseth not — 
Confirms each bond of duty ; if 'tis so, 
Obey thy sire, nor move from hence — remaining 
In womanly subjection unto him 
Thou most shouldst rev'rence ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Then 't was truth I heard ! 

KATHARINA. 

Yea, stranger. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

And thus fair and young thou 'st giv'n thee 
To yon dark worship? 

KATHARINA. 

Say'st thou dark? As sunlight 
T is bright and clear! 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA, 11 
LYCOPHRON. 

Porphyrins, in thy hand 
Thou hold'st her life ! but by the memory 
Of Hyparinus, I adjure thee, spare 
The daughter of his friend, albeit she err ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 
My lips can ne'er reveal what to mine ear 
Had never reached, but for the gen'rous trust 
Wherewith thou call'dst me, as thy very son, 
Into this inmost — yea, most sacred — chamber 
Of thy whole mansion. 

LYCOPHRON. 

As in outward frame, 
So in thy soul no less, thou matchest him 
Who was my friend of yore ! 

[Theodora comes forward, and leading 
KATHARINA away from her Father with 
some difficulty, retires with her to the 
inner court, into which the apartment 
opens, where they continue to walk up 
and down in earnest conversation. 

LYCOPHRON {taking porphyrius by the hand). 
Most luckless man 
Of men am I, my son ! Thou seest the cause 
Why Lycophron to Hyparinus' heir 
Feared to espouse his child, infected thus 
With madness that draws down upon her head 
Heav'n's wrath, and earthly vengeance. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

I nor fear 
Jove's thunder, nor Imperial threats, so thou 
But give to me the maid. 'Mid rites of love, 
And matron duties, soon will she forget 
The fantasies that haunted her while lasted 
Her lone virginity. 

LYCOPHRON. 

I would I thought 
As thou, who know'st her not ! But she 's the harder 



i J ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

To deal with, in that to her wo'man's wit 
She's added bo much Learning as may pass 
For Buch in woman. The more fool was I 
With joy to look on her, when Bhe of old 
Bent o'er the scrolls of Plato or Chrysippus, 
Whom now she spurns as ignoranl and impiout ! 
Wherefore I fear me sore thy reasonings 
Will find one reason-proof. Still, there is none 
May move her, if not thou. She hath defied 
All arguments wherewith Z've sought to free 
Her spirit from the net that hath entwined it ; 

Yen, and she scorns the joyous Hymenaean 

Wherefore Yet if thy speech might more avail 

Than mine, to turn her from the maze of ill 
She 's strayed into, a good deed 't were, by her, 

And me and by thyself, if verily 

Thou car'st to own her, now thou know'st her folly ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Thou jestest not ? 

LYCOPHRON. 
Nay, by the gods ! I 'm scarce 
In jesting mood ; I ever wished her thine ; 
But now 'tis noised abroad I harbour Christians, 
Upon her yea or nay, when bid to wed 
With one of the old faith, hangs life or death. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

1 thought not, Father Lycophron, that ever 
Past studies to such dainty use should serve, 
As wooing of a maiden ! But right well 
1 like the office : 't is an easier fight 
Than bandying words with sophists. 

lycophron {turning to the inner court ). 

May the gods 
So grant it! Katharina, come and tell 
Our guest the reason of the faith that 'a in thee. 

KATHARINA {coming forward). 
Unto our guest ! Oh father, how may I 
Speak to one trained in subtlest schools, and taught 
Willi strength of words to prop each argument ? 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 13 
LYCOPHRON. 

If thou confess thee ignorant, my daughter, 
Then surely shouldst thou yield unto the wise. 

KATHARINA. 

If wise they be; but I would not my weakness 

Betrayed a holy cause. 

PORPHYR1US. 

A cause that 's just, 
And holy, needs no giant for its champion. 

KATHARINA. 

'T is a true word thou speak'st ! and though my tongue 
Be all unskilled, yet, stranger, if thou seek 
To learn that we believe, I will not shun, 
As best I may, God's counsel to declare. 

[katharina seats herself ; porphyrius, 
at a sign from her Father, takes the 
chair beside her ; while LYCOPHRON, 
though continuing to watch them, retires 
to some distance. Theodora returns to 
her loom. 

porphyrius (aside, after a pause). 
Methinks she waits my question. (Aloud) Katharina, 
I needs must marvel — (seeing thou hast bathed 
Thy spirit in those springs of wisdom deep 
And pure, that in our father's land of old 
Flowed from the lips of sages and of bards) — 
That thou shouldst turn thee to the fabled tales 
Of Galilean fishers. 

KATHARINA. 

It hath pleased 
Our God to shame that wisdom that doth lean 
On its own strength, by choosing them to bear 
His message unto men, in whom no pride 
Of earthly learning dwelt, or worldly cunning. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

So think'st thou? But if messengers thus mean 
Be chosen, then at least the lore they spread 



1 f ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

Should own sonic loftiness t' exalt its teachers ; 
While base is all their law, fantastical 
Their rites, if so it be — as men have told me — 
That they do hold thai same to be their God, 
Which is their sacrifice! Seek through all lands, 
Yon find no race so blinded ! none who strive 
Thus of set purpose to obtain our mock'ry ! 

KATIIARINA. 

To them who by the light of earthly knowledge 
Behold us, 't is no marvel if our rites, 
Our laws, our worship, do but seem to prove us 
Senseless and blind. Yet thou speak'st truth, 

Porphyrins ! 
The Lord whom Ave adore, for us was slain, 
A holy sin-off'ring and sacrifice ; 
Yea, therein is our boast and our rejoicing ! 
Thy lip curls scornfully, as though thou askedst, 
" Why should a God thus stoop, and thus endure ? 
How may a God know pain?" 'T was through the love 
He bore us, to redeem us from the curse 
Our sins had earned, to rescue our lost race 
From the fell might of them that dwell below, 
To whom our souls were forfeit ; nor could less 
Than a God's blood suffice to pay the ransom ! 

PORPHYEIUS. 

Thine eye, thy tongue, glow hot with fiery zeal ; 

And though thy form be fixed in holy stillness, 

No vot'ry wild of Cybele, no priestess 

Of madd'ning Dionysius, so doth kindle 

At mention of their God ! Wherefore me seems 

'T were waste of words to tell thee that thy creed 

Alike by reason and experience 

Is shown to be a coinage of man's brain — 

Since reason and experience thou heed'st not. 

KATIIARINA. 

Sure both may fail, when therewith we would reckon 
How it may please high heav'n to deal with men ! 

PORPHTRIUS. 

We seels mil In set hounds to heav'ulv might; 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. ] 

But can it be, that He who ruleth all, 

(To whom the wise look up far o'er those powers 

Who sway the elements, and live through nature), 

That He — th' Omnipotent — should reck if mortals 

Bow to himself alone, or cast some incense 

Upon the Sea-God's altar, or the Sun's ? 

The all-pervading, all-embracing soul 

Of heav'n and earth is gracious and benign ; 

Nor wills that we should perish — as ye Christians 

Hold it necessity — because your rulers 

Command ye to adore your city's gods ! 

KATHARINA. 

So may it seem to one whose thought conceives 
Naught truer, holier, than such shadowy being. 
The living God, the Lord who with his blood 
Hath bought us, doth require from us our all ; 
Our heart, our love, our worship ! Who denies 
His Master, him his Master shall deny. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Wouldst thou, Oh maiden, prove thy fealty 
To this stern master, as they must, who own 
His rule, before the judgment-seat of Gallus ? 

KATHARINA. 

So help me He I serve ! There is naught else 
For her who is baptized unto his name ! 

Nay more ; but If I 'm summoned hence — if 

straight 
I 'm called to my confession, and so perish — 
Be thou a son to yon old man, Porphyrius ; 
Be thou his age's comfort ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

How might I 
Give that I had not ? Comfort ! Where were mine, 
If thee I lost, thou fairest and thou dearest ? 
Art angered, Katharina? 

KATHARINA. 

No — not angered ; 
For thou know'st not — ay, deem'st me thy betrothed. 



1G ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. 

PORPHYR] i S. 

And art thou not ? 

KATHARINA. 
I 'in pledged; but not to thee. 
PORPHYRIUS. 

Thou 'st bound thee to another ? 

K \ III \KINA. 

Chafe not thus ! 
My loved one of no earthly mould is framed. 

PORPHYRIUS. 
A phantom, or a fable ! I defy 
Such unsubstantial bridegroom ! 

KATHARINA. 

Say not so ! 
Take heed — my race and thine were ever friends ! 
And I would not thou brav'dst a pow'r whose might 
Thou know'st not of ! 

TOllPHYRIUS. 

I thank thee for thy care, 
Sweet maid, though little reck I of the danger 
Thou bid'st me shun ; nor will I anger thee 
With mock'ry of that husband of thy soul. 
But from Him I will win thee, Katharina, 
By loving thee as never God nor man 
Did love ! 

katharina {rising). 
As never man did love — it may be ; 
But not to hear smooth speech was I called hither. 
I 've done my father's bidding, telling thee 
What thou car'st not to learn. 

porphyrius (rising, to lycophron, who now dram 
near). 

Say, Lycophron, 
Forbidd'st thou me to tell unto thy daughter 
How well I love her? 

LYCOPHRON. 
I forbid thee not, 
My son ; but many an hour shall vet be thine, 



ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. 1 / 

Wherein upon such theme thou may'st discourse, 
Seeing thou art our guest. Now to my friends 
And kindred would I make thee known, Porphyrius ; 
Beneath the shady porch of our Gymnasium 
They 're gathered by this hour ; to all I 've spoken 
Of Hyparinus' son. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

I follow thee, 
My host. Farewell, mine own betrothed ! 

KATHARINA. 

Farewell, 
Guest of my father ! 

[Exeunt lycophron and porphyrius. 
So — 't is said abroad 
A Christian lurketh here ; and even therefore, 
More than of old my father strives to bind me 
In marriage ties. Therein — he deems — is safety;, 
For him — for me. Oh blinded sire ! Oh rash 
And earth-bound youth, who from my God would part 
me ! 

THEODORA {rising from her work). 
Thou hast sat long in converse with this bridegroom, 
Whom thou so fear'dst ! Dost dread him still ? 

KATHARINA. 

There 's naught 
In him that I should dread. 

THEODORA. 

Then thou dost yield thee 
To thy sire's will ? 

KATHARINA. 

I meant but that the sight 
And speech of this Porphyrius (though I own him 
Goodly and quick of wit) shake not my purpose ; 
Nor may they. 

THEODORA. 

Child, thou know'st not thine own spirit ; 
For though as maiden thou art ripe, as woman 
Thou art full young ! 

C 



Is 3T. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

KATHARINA. 

Methinka I know it well. 

THEODORA. 

Art verily content to wait the day 

i T will come ere long), when thy fresh Spring shall 

fade, 
And change for gloomy Autumn and chill winter, 
Yet ne'er have heightened into Summer's glow ? 

KATHARINA. 

I am. — 

THEODORA. 

And wert thou ever? Thou didst say 
Five years had passed since this thy resolution. 

KATHARINA. 

Yes, ever. No — not ever ! Thou shalt hear 

That which ('t is now full twelve months past) befell me. 

The day I was nineteen years old. 'T was thus : — 

Our friends and kindred had departed all 

After the birth-day feast we here had giv'n them ; 

My father slept beside the hearth ; the echoes 

Of songs the damsels had been singing me 

Rang in mine ears — the unforgotten lays 

Of Sappho, of Mimnermus ! well thou knowest 

How sweet ! — as though with flow'ry wreaths they 

fetter 
The list'ners soul in chains of honeyed words. 
Ten thousand thoughts of pleasure and of pain, 
Ten thousand recollections of old tales, 
Rushed through my soul, and shook mine inmost being ! 
Whereat — albeit none saw — I felt I blushed. 
I sought to turn me unto holier themes ; 
When flitted straight my inem'ry to the story 
I read thee once, of her whose sire's rash vow, 
In Gilead's land, bade perish in her bloom ; 
How, 'twixt her doom and death, albeit resigned 
Unto her father's will, upon the mountains, 
Amid her youthful feres, she mourned her maidliood ; 
Like her bewailed I my virginity! 
Yet soon I roused me; and as low 1 knelt. 
Humbly 1 prayed unto th' All-Merciful 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 1.9 

For guidance to my heart, strength to my will. 
That night I scarce had laid me down, when sleep 
Deeper than wont came o'er me. Soon, me thought, 
Roaming I knew not where, mine eyes beheld 
That which they most desired ; the fleshly form 
Which our Anointed Lord in childhood wore 
On earth. Upon his maiden mother's knee 
He sat, and beckoned with his finger small, 
Till fearless I drew near, and unappalled, 
Gazed on that awful innocence. The babe 
Clasped my left hand, and on my bridal finger 
He placed a ring. When I awoke next morn, 
That ring still girt my finger. I was wedded 
Unto my Lord, and mourned no more my maidhood ! 
From that day forth, such love I bear my bridegroom, 
That aye, by night and day, in death or life, 
I still rejoice in my virginity, 

THEODORA. 

Can such things be? 

KATHARINA. 

To thee the tale, albeit 
Confirmed by handling of this heav'n-sent token, 
May well seem wondrous — ay, no more perchance 
Than are our vainest night-dreams ; I but told it 
To thee who yet art unbaptized, unsealed 
By the Lord's deepest stamp, to show wherefore 
Nor beauty nor soft speech of man hath power 
To move thy child, and which her choice must be — 
(If choose she must) betwixt Porphyrins' bride-bed 
And the dread doom by Gallus dealt on Christians ! 



c2 



20 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA, 



ACT II. 

Scene I. The Market-place in Alexandria. On one 
sid( of it is the Proconsul's ivory chair; opposite to 
which is placed a small altar, with statues of Jupiter 
and of Mercury, a vase of incense, cups of icinc, §c. 
Lictors and a guard of Soldiers stand round. Citizens 
pass and repasss ; scribes are seated with their tablets 
before them. A temple of Jupiter is in the background. 

GrALLUS stands in front, conversing icith nicanor and 
ARCHIPPUS. * 
GALLUS. 

And so ye say Porphyrins of Antioch 

Is now the guest of Lycophron? That looks not 

As though the host were Christian; for the youth 

Is come of lineage that hath never swerved 

From service of our ancient gods, from duty 

Unto our rulers ; and albeit he 's giv'n him 

Rather to search of that some men call wisdom. 

Than unto studies that would more avail 

One called on by his birth and wit alike 

To strive for honour in the camp or forum, 

Still he hath ever kept him to the doctrine 

Of those calm teachers, whose first precept bids us 

Worship according to our country's law, 

"Whate'er that law enjoins; yea, he hath wielded 

The weapons that philosophy, bestows 

(Such as they are !) to prove how vain and baseless 

Are the new-fangled dreams that guide the sect 

I 've sworn t' uproot. Though in good truth no words 

Will serve that turn, be they as wise and weighty 

As the sev'n sages spake ! In brief he's shown him 

Too loyal to his prince, to our old rites 

Too true, to cherish friendship with a slave 

Of yon weak superstition. What yest're'en 

Was told me, by some nun I take small count of. 

As though the shrewd and wealthy Lveophron 

Leaned to those madd'ning errors, had its growth 

In the accusers' malice or their Jolly. 

If once I deemed it true 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 21 

NICANOR. 

My kinsman, Gallus, 
Is free from all such taint. Would I could speak 
As boldly for the women of his household ! 



The women, verily ! These things o'erpass 
Such judgment as I own. How cometh it 
That wife or daughter of a citizen, 
Who 's well affected to the state, and rules him 
By reason's law, should dare thus far to stray 
In paths forbidden ? He must guide his house 
With a slack hand, who lets a woman choose 
The shrine whereat she '11 worship. But of this 
I '11 speak with thee anon. To others now 
Must I give heed. 

[gallus seats himself in his ivory chair, 
as lysias is brought in guarded, and, 
followed by his wife clymene and his 
sister leucippe, his accuser hegesan- 
der, and two witnesses. 

GALLUS to HEGESANDER. 

Is this the man, whose crimes 
Against the gods and Ca?sar, were revealed 
By Damasippus and by Myrsilus ? 

HEGESANDER. 

The same ; and these, here standing, will repeat 
The witness that they 've borne ere now. He fled 

In fear of what should chance but through the night 

Thy soldiers tracked him, and with his accusers 
Thou seest him face to face. 

GALLUS. 

Is thy condition 
Servile or free ? 

lysias. 
I thank my God, and one 
Who now is with the dead, Eurymedon, 
Son of Charistus, mine estate was free, 
From ten years past, till now that these have bound me, 



22 3T. KATHARINE Ol ALEXANDRIA. 

G VLLUS. 

A freedinan! Then of thine own will it was — 
Through no compelling force — that thou refusedst 
To Bhare the sacrifice wherewith thy friends 

{Sought favour from on high for prince and people? 

( LYMENE. 

My Lord, their guile 

GALLUS. 

To thee I speak not, woman. 
Say, Lysias, is their witness false or true ? 
clymene {aside to lysias). 
Say not 't is true ! 

LYSIAS {aloud). 
I may not call it false ; 
Albeit the charge of malice is begotten. 

GALLUS. 
If so thou hold it, tliou may'st lightly clear thee ; 
Cast but a grain of incense on yon flame 
Burning before Jove's altar, or pour down 
The wine that fills that goblet as drink-off 'ring 
To Hermes, all shall see 't was not for lack 
Of rev'rence to the mighty gods thou shunnedst 

The feast these bid thee to What ! doubtest thou 

Delay'st thou e'en to prove thine innocence ? 

LYSIAS. 

My lord 

GALLUS. 

Nay, speed thee ! [To clymene and leuciite. 
Hearken, I will grant him 
Space till the dial's shadow thus far reach, 

[Indicating a sundial near the judgment-seat, 
W herein to curb his pride, and straight obey. 

[gallus turns round to converse with ni- 
cakoii and ARCHiPrus; lysias s/,n/</s 
motionless, clymene and LEUCiPrE 
ichispering to him, while katiiarina, 
veiled, and attended l>;i THEODORA, ap- 
pears from the opposite side, as if about 
to cross the market-place, l>>tt stops t<> 
rvi what is going <m. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 23 

THEODORA. 
I pray thee, dearest mistress, hasten on, 
That we may reach yon crypt, unmarked, untracked. 

KATHARINA. 

I may not hasten, for I see good Lysias, 
Fettered and guarded ! 

CLYMENE (to a bystander), 
If he worship not, 
What shall befall him? 

Citizen. 
What befell Eudoxus 
Last week. 

CLYMENE. 

Oh Heaven ! Have pity, noble Gallus ! 

GALLUS. 

Thy husband's fate in his own hands is laid. 

clymene (aside). 
Then is he lost ! he will not sacrifice ! 

LEUCIPPE, 

Oh brother ! (To gallus and the bystanders) Yet he 

ne'er blasphemed your emp'ror ! 
Must he thus choose ? His doom's gone forth ! They '11 

slay him ! 

KATHARINA (to LEUCIPPE and CLYMENE). 

Is 't for the faith of Christ he thus is perilled ? 

LEUCIPPE. 

Yes!— 

CLYMENE. 

No ! — men have accused him, but 

LYSIAS. 

I 'm called 
To witness to the truth; and thus 

KATHARINA. 

Say first, 
Ye men of Alexandria, and thou, 
Our ruler, should not judgment rather light 
Upon the teacher of an evil lore, 
Than on its simple scholar? 



24 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

GALL1 s. 

It should crush 
Teacher and scholar both. But canst thou name 
The foul perverter, who hath cost this freedman 

His senses, and 't is like his life? 

KATHARINA. 

Dismiss 

Thy poor and lowly captive, and I '11 tell thee 
Who wrought upon his soul. 

THEODORA. 

Hold, hold ! my child ! 

GALLUS. 

I may not loose him. 

KATHARINA. 

Nay, thou must, if aught 
Of justice guide thee ! for he ne'er had known 
That faith which thou abhor'st, wer't not for me. 

GALLUS. 

For thee ! 

KATHARINA. 

Yes ! tell them, Lysias, that I lie not ! 

[THEODORA 7'ushes away. 
Tell him 't was I, who gave mine uncle's freedman 
The Book whereby they deem thou art perverted. 

LYSIUS. 

Thou sav'st not me, and slay'st thyself, oh maiden ! 

GALLUS. 

Tell thy name, damsel. 

KATHARINA. 

Katharina, daughter 
Of Lycophron. 

GALLUS. 

Unveil thee. — Answer now, 

[katharina unveils hi rSi If. 
Art thou too Christian? But bethink thee first 
What hangs on thy reply. 

Re-enter tiieodora, bringing with her LYCROPHON 
a, hi porphyriuSj who press eagerly through the crowd 
toward* k aim \ki\a. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 25 

KATHARINA. 

I have bethought me 
Thereof; and 't is sev'n years since — 

LYCOPHRON (to KATHARINA). 

What dost thou 
Before this judgment-seat ? My daughter stands 
Unveiled for all to gaze on ! 

KATHARINA. 

I but did 
His bidding who here rules us. 

GALLUS. 

Lycophron, 
My office doth forbid that I should own 
Respect of high or low, grey-beard or virgin ; 
And this, thy daughter, hath almost declared her 
Christian. 

LYCOPHRON. 

She hath not ! 

NICANOR. 

No — not yet hath she 
Pronounced the damning words. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Nor will she ever ! 
(To katharina) Speak not ! and veil thy face. (She 

veils herself). 'T were surely well, 
Gallus, that thou shouldst leave unto a sire 
The right and pow'r of chastisement and counsel, 
When one like her in age and in estate, 
Errs through rash ignorance. 

GALLUS. 

Thou 'st scarce so bred 
Yon most rebellious maid, that I should dare 
Trust unto thee her chastisement. 

KATHARINA. 

My father 
Knew not 

LYCOPHRON. 

Peace, daughter, an thou 'dst 'scape my curse ! 



21 ST. K \ I HAKIM! 01 Al.l..\A.M)l;lA. 

POEPD VKIl S. 

Take Burety for the damsel, that do more 
She so offend ! 

GALLT S. 

Her father's I accept doI ; 

He is too weak of will — trains not his child 
In the good path. 

PORPHYRIUS. 
For him and her / bind me 
In whatsoever penalty thou namest. 

archippus (aside to GALLUS). 

Thou wilt not say him nay ? 

GALLUS (aside to ARCHIPPUS). 

I would I might ! 
But he hath wealth and wits might make of him 
A foe might cross me oft. (Aloud) Porphyrius, 
I know not if thou 'rt wise, or hast the pow'r 
T' enforce that thou dost promise ; still thou art 
So honoured in thy home, and in this city 
So welcome, yea, art held so fast a friend 
Of all whereto our citizens should cleave, 
That I '11 deny thee naught — will deal with thee 
In lib'ral fashion too. 

[At a sign from GALLUS, the guards who 
had surrounded katharina draw back 
and leave her free, upon which LYCO- 
t H.RON places her in the charge of Theo- 
dora and other Slaves, while PORPHY- 
RIUS converses apart with GALLUS. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Hence with thee, girl ! 
A nd you, ye servants of my house, your lives, 
If ye lose sight of her, shall answer it. 

KATHARINA. 

But Lysias! 

LYCOPHRON. 

Talk not to me. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA, 27 

PORPHYRIUS. 

I will strive 
Far as I may, for him too, Katharina. 

[Exeunt katharina, Theodora, and 
other Slaves of ltcophron. 



She 's passing fair ! the sea-born goddess blooms not 

More freshly, Juno steps not statelier ! 

{Aloud to lycrophon) I've stretched to th' utmost 

verge that pow'r to spare, 
Wherewith (e'en as with might to slay) I 'm trusted ; 
But albeit at thy pray'r I thus refrain 
From urging of thy daughter to confess 
Here in this throng the errors that beset her, 
She needs must bear some questioning thereon 
Or in thy house or mine. 'T were scarce fulfilment 
Of that I owe to Caesar, if or fear 
Or favour could so warp me, that I shunned 
Such duty of mine office. 

LTCOPHRON. 

Hearken, Gallus ! 
I '11 speak out plainly. If thou question her. 
She '11 own to thee, in very waywardness, 
Far more e'en than she 's dreamt of. Judge thyself 
If it be wise and well to chafe such spirit 
To frenzied deeds and words, the punishment 
Wherof must tell to all, that from the lowest 
This taint hath upward crept unto the noble ; 
"While — hearken yet- — if thou but let what chanced 
This day as warning stand, withholding thee 
From goading of her pride to wild defiance, 
Through rev'rence of her sire, 'mid happy ties 
Of marriage soon, 'mid woman's tranquil labours, 
Her ardent soul will cool, will own the check 
Of reason and of custom ; Katharina 
Ere long will be as thou and I would see her, 

GALLUS. 
I fain would think it ; but if she refuse 
All show of retractation, who is there 



28 ST. KATHAKINE O] ALEXANDRIA. 

Among thine equals who will lake to him 
A Christian bride? 

POUPII Villi S. 

That will I gladly, Gallus ! 
Counting, as counts her father, on the calm 
Ami healing might of time — perchance of love — 
For op'ning of her eyes to this world's bliss, 
And teaching of her heart a happier lesson 
Than those now graven on her virgin sold, 
That knows not of life's pleasures. 

GALLUS. 

If she be 
A very Christian, scarcely will she wed thee. 

PORPHYEIUS. 

So help me Aphrodite's winged son — 
Ay, and so help me Lycophron — I trust 
To win her yet. 

GALLUS. 

'T is said each man best knows 
That most concerns him ; and I pray the gods 
It so do prove with thee, Porphyrius. 
I yield me, Lycophron ; 't is not to all 
I 'd grant the same — yet I consent to hold 
Thy daughter's marriage with this youth as pledge 
Of her obedience to our laws no less 
Than unto thee ; but see the rite be speedy. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Ay, speedy it shall be. 

gallus (aside). 
If she be that 
Wherefore I take her, mad as e'er was Mcenad, 
The more they press their aim, the more she '11 spurn 
Bridal and bridegroom both. (Aloud to poepiiyeius) 

Thou fain wouldst see 
This frcedman too released ? (Pauses, appealing to 
listen to a whisper from porphyrius) 
Well, for this time 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 29 

(I know what thou Avouldst say) I '11 not require 
That he before mine eyes do sacrifice. 

\_Exit lycophron. The soldiers unbind 
LYSIAS; GALLUS, ARCHIPPUS and 

nicanor leave the market-place. 

LYSIAS (to PORPHYRIUS). 

I thank thee, noble stranger! Thou wast bred 
In Antioch, say they not? 

PORPIIYRIUS. 

'T is so. 

lysias (aside). 

In Antioch 
We first were giv'n our name. (Aloud) Ar.cl thou art 

plighted 
To Katharina ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Yea. 

LYSIAS. 

God grant thee grace 
To wear that jewel as becomes its worth ! 
God grant thee His best blessing through thy bride ! 

[Exit LYSIAS with his wife and sister. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

It scarce can fail. But whither hath my host 
Sped on ? Thank heav'n, yon Roman's avarice 
Surpasses e'en his pride. Now must I haste 
Upon her father's footsteps to Kath'rina, 
In strength of love to talk her doubts away. 

[Exit PORPHYRIUS. 

Scene II. lycophron's House. The Women's Apart- 
ment, katharina and Theodora in front ; two 
female Slaves stand at a distance. 
THEODORA. 
Had I not called him, child, thy limbs were now 
Wrenched on the rack, or in the fire consuming. 

katharina. 
Perchance 't were better so ; yet my flesh shrinks 



00 ST. KATHARINE OP AI.KX AM >KI \. 

From thai thou Bpeak'sl of — would they bu1 destroy 
Swiftly, with axe or .sword — I could endure 
Such cud right well ! 

THEODORA. 

Yes, thou ! but whore were 1 ? 
And where thy father, maiden, if the light, 
The joy of his old age, were quenched for ever ! 

KATHARINA. 

Oh hapless father ! 'yet, he is of those 
Whereof th' Apostle speaks, " that to themselves 
They are a law," by their own choice fulfilling 
That which God's will commandeth. I will deem 
For him there 's mercy, though the gift of faith 
By doom inscrutable be yet denied him. 

lycophron {from within). 
Come hither, Theodora ! haste, I wait thee. 

[Exit THEODORA. 
KATHAR1NA. 

So he 's returned — yet comes not here ! I fain 
Would know whereof they commune. My heart tells me 
Some trial harder than I 've dreamed of threatens. < 
Why said I not the word ? What barred my speech, 
When the Proconsul asked "Was I too Christian?" 
'T was not through fear of him, or aught his wrath 
Could lay on me ; no, for I felt a strange 
And awful pleasure as I braved his might ; 
But 't w T as my father's eye, my father's voice, 
That smote my tongue with dumbness ; was it well 
Or ill to heed them? — Is it sin to wish 

1 were already dead and still and painless, 

With naught t' endure or strive with more? Shrink not, 

Thou coward soul, from sorrow that is borne, 

From battle that is waged for thy Redeemer ! 

Were I my father's son, I had not flinched 

From perils of the spear and bow — had followed 

The hosts of Caisar to the burning soil 

Of Persia, or Paimonia's savage wastes — 

Nor shamed my race. Then shall I doubt and dread. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 31 

When called to fight beneath a nobler banner 
Than earthly kings display ! The spotless Lamb 
Therein gleams white upon a blood-red field ; 
And whoso bleeds for Him, His blood will save ! 
Yet there be struggles worse than death ; there 's strife 
With them we love — who love us. — But, who e'er 
Loved us as Christ did love ? Whom doth my heart 
Adore with longing warmth as it adores 
That Lord who with his ring hath deigned t' espouse me? 

[He-enter Theodora. 
How is 't with thee ? Thou 'rt deadly pale ! 

THEODORA. 

My child, 
I 've promised somewhat in thy name. Oh slay not 
Thine own true hand-maid with thy look's fixed stern- 
ness ! 

KATHARINA. 

What hast thou done ? Say on. 

THEODORA. 

Forgive, sweet daughter, 
If, when thy father said " Unless she yield her 
Straightway to wed Porphyrius, she must perish, 
Since Grallus purposeth (except she give 
Such pledge of her obedience) to renew 
His search into her faith," I answered him 
Thou surely wouldst consent ! And from the dust 
I rise not till thou pardon me my daring, 
And tell me thou wilt live ! 

KATHARINA. 

Thou know'st I 'm wedded ; 
And how. No man may own me ! 

THEODORA. 

Thou didst dream 
That wedding ! 

KATHARINA {showing her ring). 
Whence came this ? 

THEODORA. 

There is no space 
To argue of that mystery, but hearken 
Unto my prayer ! 



32 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDR] \. 

KATHARINA. 

Rise — rise — my father's Btep 
Draws near. I would not he should see thee prostrate 
Before thy foster-child ! 

THEODORA. 

See, I obey thee, 

[Enter LYCOPHRON. 
But make me not a liar in his sight ! 

[katharina turns away* 

LYCOPHRON. 

Daughter — thou hast not changed anew ? 

KATHARINA. 

I change not, 
Father. 

lycophron {glancing at Theodora). 

And she spake truth ? Thou 'It not deny me 
That which I ask of thee ; it is thy life ! 
Since for thy dear life's sake I urge this marriage. 

KATHARINA. 

My lip can frame no word wherewith to utter 
Denial to my father's pray'r. 

LYCOPHRON. 

The blessing 
Of them that dwell on high be on thee, child ! 
Thou tremblest, weepest — when thou hast o'ercome 
This passing sorrow, thou wilt thank the fate 
That forced thee from thy purpose. The third day 
From this must see thy nuptials. 

KATHARINA. 

The third day ! 
'T is speedy ! 

LYCOPHRON. 

True ; but Gallus bade me hasten 
The rite, if I would 9ave thee. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 33 

KATHARINA {aside). 

'T is because 
Union with one who cleaves unto yon idols, 
Firmly as doth Porphyrins, shall make me 
Seem that I am not — nor can be. {Aloud after a pause.) 

Permit'st thou, 
Father, that I should commune presently 
With him to whom thou 'st giv'n me ? I would tell him 
E'en now what bride he's like to find. 

LYCOPHRON. 

So wouldst thou ? 
Well — as thee lists. I should be slow to grant 
Thy wish, were 't not I know he so doth love thee, 
That all thy waywardness will not avail 
To scare him. I will seek and send thy bridegroom. 

\Exit LYCOPHRON. 
KATHARINA. 

He loves me, and therefore my hope 's the less ; 
And yet, perchance, it therefore should be greater ! 
The bridegroom of the Roman maid, Cecilia, 
Loved her, yet spared that she besought him spare — 
But him did God's especial grace convert 
Straight to that faith and knowledge, mine doth scorn ! 

Enter porphyrius. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Thy father saith, that thou wouldst frighten me 
From tasting of the bliss he grants ! 

KATHARINA. 

Porphyrius, 
Abide thus far, while unto thee I say 
More than my father thinks on. Stand ye back, 
Hand-maidens — {To Theodora) even thou ! I would 
discourse 

[theodora retires into the background. 
Unheard a while. And now I am — as 't were — 
Alone with thee, I know not how to speak 
The thing I would ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Nor know I, Katharina, 
Whether to bid thee hasten, or delay, 

d 



ot ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

( >r keep for ever in thy soul the secret 
Of that, whateYr it be, thai in thy heart 
Contends against me ! 

KATUAKINA. 

I have said ere now 
Another had my faith; my maidenhead 
Is vowed, devoted to our God ! The vestals 
Of l\ome may know no man, nor may thy bride. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Oh ! vain and senseless vow ! But from such bond 
A father's will may loose his child. 

KATHARINA. 

I would not 
'T were loosed ; nor may it be. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

But they will slay thee, 
Kath'rina, if thou wed me not ! 

KATHARINA. 

And thou 
So lov'st me, that there 's much thou 'dst do and bear 
For my life's sake ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

I 'd venture to endure 
All peril and all pain to buy thy safety ! 

KATHARINA. 

Nor pain nor peril would I have thee brave ; 

I3ut wouldst thou save the child of Lycophron, 

Oh son of Hyparinus, from the doom 

By the stern Roman passed on her, yet shun 

The hate that in her soul would straightway kindle 

Towards him who forced her from her vow's fulfilment, 

Call me thy wife awhile — (since I have lacked 

Valour to tell my father I will perish 

Sooner than make mo thine) — but — let the daughter 

Of thy sire's friend in thee behold a brother ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 
Mean'st thou that all the gladsome rites wherewith 
They '11 celebrate our wedding, shall but mock me? 
That I shall hear the Hymenaean ring 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 35 

Around, yea lay me on one couch beside thee, 

Nor be indeed thy bridegroom? Know'st thou, maiden, 

What thou dost ask ? 

KATHARINA. 

I knew not verily 
That I should wake such wrath ! Oh ! gaze not thus 
On me, Porphyrius ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

I meant not, fair one, 
T' affright thee ; but though love have pierced me sore, 
His might hath not so witched me, but I spurn 
The mumm'ry wherein thou wouldst have me play 
My part contentedly. I call not her 
My wife, whose husband I 'm forbid to prove me ! 

KATHARINA. 

'T is well. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

No — 't is not well ! — thou fairest thing ! 
Thou dearest ! Can I think upon the doom, 
Wherefore thou 'rt arming thee, nor seek to bar 
The steps of fate ? Now hearken, and believe ! 
I will endure the pains of Tantalus 
On that same night I deemed should equal me 
Unto the gods for bliss, will wait the day 
When thou, by my love warmed, at last shalt love me, 
Ere I love's guerdon claim ! Wilt thou now live, 
And call thee mine, thou cruel one ? 

KATHARINA. 

I thank thee, 
My friend Porphyrius, that thus unrewarded, 
Thou help'st me in my need — but ere I yield 
Such boundless trust, an oath must curb thy soul. 

PORPHYRIUS. 
Such oath as lists thee, lay on me. 

KATHARINA. 

Swear not 
By them who are no gods, but call the spirits 
Of thy dead sire and mother to avenge 
Thy perjury, if ever thou avail thee — 

d 2 



."(J ST. KATHARINE 01 ALEXANDRIA. 

( I say nut of my weakness and thy strength) 
But — of occasion, chance, or loneliness, 
Such as our seeming marriage may afford, 
To urge me unto that I must deny 
Life-long. 

POEPHYEIUS. 

Thou deaTst right hardly with thy captive 

Bind'st him in heavy chains — yet — if thus only 
Thou'lt save thee, even as thou wilt I '11 call 

Upon the dead No, Katharina No 

I may not call on them, for I were perjured ! 

There 's many a youth (myself I was sore tempted) 

Would bind him with what words should please thee best, 

Then keep them as he could ; trusting to love, 

And fortune for his pardon ; but 'twixt thee 

And me 't is other. Never shalt thou say 

" 'T was by his oath's foul breach Porphyrius won me !" 

KATHARINA. 

I understand now what that is men call 
By love's fair name. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

'T is in good truth less fine-spun 
Thou that whereof we 've read of old in Plato ! 
Yet no less hath it Avings, and soareth proudly, 
Lifting almost man's soul unto the height 
Of heaven ! Wherefore it is, oh my beloved, 
I '11 sooner waste in longing, than enjoy 
Thy charms, and not thyself; the love I bear thee, 
Save through thine answ'ring love, can know no guerdon. 
Then fear not lest I snatch a grace bestowed 
With loathing ; but to bind both lip and eye, 
That they forbear to woo thee, to forego 
The good kind fortune sends, when time and space 
Are granted wherein I may tell to thee 
Again and yet again of my true love 

While thou art at my side and called mine own 

By mine own deed to tear from out the branch 

Hope offers, the one bud may bloom to glad me 

Therein I may not bow unto thy pleasure ! 
But, if thou rush on fate — I follow thee. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 37 
KATHARINA. 

I say it not in anger ; 't is in vain 
Thou hop'st for love from me. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

And wherefore vain? 
Thou 'st called me friend — thou hat'st me not — hast 

told me 
Thou lov'st no mortal man — and I believe thee. 
Why should not love wake love ? Or — were it other, 
If thou couldst deem me Christian ? 

KATHARINA. 

From my soul 
I would, for thine own sake, I might so deem. 
Yea, gladly would I shed my blood to buy 
Thee and my father knowledge of our God ! 
Yet — wert thou Christian — I were none the more 
Thy wife. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

The less temptation for thy lover 
To pay dissembling worship. But thy words, 
Though stern in sense, are softly breathed ; methinks 
Thou seest at last with what deep love I love thee ! 
Thou lift'st thine eyes to heav'n, and speakest not. 
Oh, gentlest Katharina, I but seek 
To teach thee, too, a knowledge thou dost lack — 
Hast turned from till this day. For thy sweet sake 
So will thy teacher rule him, that no haste, 
No hot impatience, e'er shall stir the calm 
Of thy serenest nature, till thyself 
Shalt say, " Porphyrius, thou hast earned thy meed !" 
Such be our treaty, love ! Oh ! say not Nay ! 

KATHARINA. 

I may say nothing ! for my father comes ; 
(I see him from the court within approaching) ; 
And I beseech thee, kind Porphyrius, 
Tell not to him what I have dared to ask 
Of thy forbearance ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Not till I may tell him 
That virtue 's no more needed ! Oh, thy blush, 



38 ST. k \ 1 II LBINE 01 U.l.\ WI-K1A. 

Without thy frown, sutticcth to reprove 

Light speech, and — thou wouldst say — rash hope. 

Enter lycophron. 

LYCOPHRON {to PORPIIYltlUS). 

Canst tame 
The Thracian wild-colt ? Or hath Katharina 
Tamed thee, my son ? 

PORPIIYltlUS. 

She hath essayed ; th' emprizc 
Is harder than she deemed ; but she hath learnt 
How far I '11 guide me by her will ; I, too, 
Have guessed what I may hope. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Is 't so, Kath'rina ? 

KATHARINA. 

I know not for the last ; but while I live, 

I '11 thank Porphyrius for that in plain speech 

He 's bared to me his heart ; nor sought to smother 

Or veil what dwells therein. 

LYCOPHRON. 

He were no son 
Of Hyparinus, could he deal in guise 
More pliant. {Aside to porphyrius) She hath found 
in thee her master. 

porphyrius {aside to LYCOPHRON). 
So think'st thou ? 

LYCOPHRON {to KATHARINA). 

Yes, 't is not from ev'ry tongue 
Truth springs spontaneous, as from this thy bridegroom's ! 
I knew that thou must prize him ; and the day 
Will come, as I have said, when thou shalt hold it 
Fair hap, that Gallus in his tyranny 
Compelled thee to thy good. 

KATHARINA. 

It may be, father. 
{Aside) Though that I deem my good is distant far 
From what he so doth name. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 39 
LYCOPHRON. 

Me seems, ye twain 
Have striv'n, and then made peace ; lest ye anew 
Fall out, we '11 leave thee, child, with Theodora, 
To talk o'er wreaths, and garments, and perfumes, 
As needs thou must (thy wedding-day so near), 
While I discourse on themes almost as grave 
With thee, my son Porphyrius. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Katharina, 
There 's peace indeed between us ? If there be, 
Give me thy hand. 

KATHARINA. 

'T is thine, in token sure 
Of peace and friendship. 

LYCOPHRON (to PORPHYRIUS). 

Why, thou hast sped well ! 
What can a maiden farther offer thee ? 

[Exeunt lycophron and porphyrius ; 
THEODORA and the two damsels remain 
in the background. 

katharina. 
My silence hath deceived them ! Shame on thee, 
Faint-hearted Katharina ! How shall I 
Keep true unto my vow, and to the love 
That warms my soul for my celestial Lord, 
Who dare not tell the truth unto my sire, 
As unto me the Pagan youth hath told it ? 
How shall I strive against both sire and lover, 
When that which they call marriage shall have bound 

me, 
Since, yet unbound, I lack the strength to brave them ? 
'Gainst the Proconsul on his judgment-seat 
To th' death I could have fought ! — and would ! The 

sterner 
His bearing grew, the bolder waxed my spirit ; 
Not so with these ; I have nor heart nor tongue 
To deal or with the old man or the youth. 
The tears stream down my cheeks while I deny them 



40 ST. KATHARINE 01 ALEXANDRIA. 

What they esteem but duty. Were I hence ! 

Or in the grave, or in the grave-like desert, 

Where fain I \1 hide me from the Bight of men, 

Until that blessed hour when God's high will 

Shall free me from earth's coil, yea, shall array me 

For my true wedding ! I must bide His time 

In whose hand are the issues of our life 

And death. Yet flight might save me from the peril 

That threats me now ! Flight whither? 'Mid the rocks 

And sands of the wild Thebais, there be those 

Would feed me till such time as I had learnt 

Myself to seek and find the homely fare, 

May well suffice for one who ever looked 

For sustenance of body and of soul 

To other bread than earth's. {To theodoka, after a 

pause) Saidst thou, Theodora, 
That Alcimus, who to the wilderness 
Had fled in fear of Gallus, yesternight 
Returned into this city ? 

THEODORA {coming forward). 
Hush ! speak low, 
My child ! I saw him ere the dawn this day, 
Before our porch ; in secret he returned, 
Once more to see his brother, who departed 
At noon upon his voyage to the East ; 
To-night our friend glides back to whence he came. 

KATHARINA. 

Whose dwelling hides him now ? 

THEODORA. 

The house of Philo ; 
Ever, as thou dost know, a refuge sure 
For them our faith hath perilled. God in mercy 
Grant to the holy man that he go forth 
Unknown, unwatched, for little were the ruth 
He 'd find in the Proconsul. 

KATHARINA. 

I believe thee ; 
And with thee for his safety pray. The roof 
Of Philo shelters him? 

THEODORA. 

So lie did (ell inc. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 41 

When he, disguised, stole hither ere the sunrise, 
To hear how fared his pupil. 

KATHARINA. 

And thou told'st him 
She yet was true ? 

THEODORA. 

Most surely. 

KATHARINA. 

But thou saidst not 
That she was plighted to a heathen youth ? 

THEODORA. 

Not plighted ; — no — I said but that thy father 
Desired such marriage. 

KATHARINA. 

Fetch me, Theodora, 
That volume of the Scriptures which the sage 
And martyr, who, ere at the feet I sat 
Of this same Alcimus, instructed me. 
There 's somewhat I would read while yet there 's 

sunlight. [Exit THEODORA. 

I 've heard that worldly men, in desp'rate doubt 
Of that their path should be, have questioned Fate 
By op'ning of a poet's page, receiving 
As answer the first verse whereon their eye 
Glanced, as the book at hazard was unclosed ; 
And such an oracle, 't is said, availed them 
Full oft. I pray thee, oh my God, reply 
Thou in like fashion to thy suppliant, 
Who, doubtful, hopeless of all earthly aid, 
Seeks in Thy holy word for light and counsel. 
Here to abide is ill — to fly from forth 
My father's house, 't is daring. [Enter THEODORA with 

a booh'] Thanks, Theodora ! 

[theodora retires to the background after 
delivering the book; KATHARINA sits 
down and opens it at hazard. 
'T is even as I thought ! It telleth me 
How Moses fled into the wilderness, 
And there abode till God had called him thence. 
This page hath banished me ! Lo, I obey 
Thy voice, Almighty One, thus silently 
Thy sov'reign will unto my soul declaring. 



42 ST. KATHARINE 01 LLEXANDRIA. 

Maidens, I will not keep you from your loom 
Or distaff in the court below. [Exeunt Slave-girls. 

Theodora, 

[katiiarina rises. 
I pray thee, my beloved one, leave thy child 
Awhile this evening to that loneliness 
Wherein she feels her least alone. If later 
Thou find this place untenanted, seek not 
My chamber, nurse. At dawning 't will be time 
T' unclose its door. Good night ! 

THEODORA. 

Thou art bowed down 
With heavy sorrow, dear one ! 

KATHARINA. 

I have cause 
Therefore. But God can help, and in fit time 
Will help. Good night again, kind Theodora ! 

THEODORA. 

Must I depart ? [katharina bows her head assentingly. 
Well, God be with thee, daughter ! 

\E%ti THEODORA. 
KATHARINA. 

Yea, He is with me ! else I had not steeled 

My soul to tear me from each living thing 

I Ve known and prized ! She is too frail of frame, 

Ay, and too weak in faith my flight to share ; 

So must I leave her safe in ignorance 

Of that she '11 learn too soon. Farewell, thou home 

Of me and of my race ! The caves and clefts 

Of barren mountains, on the sultry verge 

Of Afric's boundless waste, must shelter me. 

No more, oh father — but all earthly love, 

The holiest e'en — all earthly joy, the purest — 

Must vanish. Heav'nly love and joy abide. 

Thus from my sire and mine ancestral halls 

I go ; nor heed the pang, so I but save 

My consecrated maidhood — so I keep 

Unplucked the rose which I would wear that morn 

When I shall deck me for my heav'nly bridal ! 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 43 



ACT III. 

Scene I. The Interior of a Cane in the desert country 
at some distance from Alexandria, katharina is 
seated on a stone, and leans against the rocky wall of 
the cavern, alcimus stands beside her. 

ALCIMUS. 

Thy strength hath failed thee, maiden ; and thy limbs, 

If forced to bear thee onward 'mid the blaze 

Of noon, would sink upon the burning sand, 

Long ere we 'd crossed the space that yet divides us 

From the lone bourne of this day's toil and travel, 

The catacomb, where good Eudemus offers 

Rest to the weary, to the fugitive 

A hiding-place, yet secret from pursuers. 

KATHARINA. 

Had I but wings as hath the dove ! to fly 
Far from all dread alike of friend and foeman, 
Beyond these wastes ! Methinks I yet have strength 
Will speed me tow'rds that safe and peaceful vault, 
Wherein of old the mighty dead lay shrouded, 
And now the living hide them ! 

ALCIMUS. 

Katharina, 
Thy frame obeys not thy brave spirit's 'hest ; 
Almost to earth thou fall'st as thou wouldst rise ; 
'T were better stretch thee on this rocky couch, 
Till slumber cure thy weariness, and bring thee 
Back the brisk step wherewith thou didst set forth 
At dawning. 

KATHARINA. 

Nay but father, if they tracked us 
Or e'er we reached that tomb ? 



44 ST. (CATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 



ALCIMUS. 

I rather fear, 
Daughter, lest thy pursuers (if pursued 
Thou be) should light ou thee, while slowly lagging 
Through the wide wilderness, than sheltered here, 
Within this low-roofed cave, the mouth whereof 
By yonder sand-hill guarded, to no eye 
Reveals itself, save theirs to whom the desert 
Is as a home. A host might pass thee by, 
Nor guess that thou lay'st near ! Nay, more, if chance 
Or treach'ry brought a hunter on thy traces, 
Seest thou, there, eastward, lies (invisible 
(To all but one who 's taught where he should seek it) 
An issue, whence a pathway in the rock, 
Hewn in old time, ascends unto its outlet 
Still farther from all haunts of men, beneath 
That stony ridge whereon I bade thee fix 
Thine eye, as bound'ry of the Lybian waste. 

[ alcimus assists RATHARINA to rise, and 
leading her to the farthest and darkest 
comer of the cavern, makes her aware 
of the precise position of the second outlet, 
which is concealed at once by the darkness 
and by a portion of projecting rock. 

katharina {returning sloicly totcards the mouth of the 
cave). 

We should be safe ; and gladly would I rest. 
Thou wilt watch near me, father ? 

alcimus. 

Near thee, child, 
Will I remain, but not within this cavern. 
Without I '11 sit, beneath the tall rock's shadow, 
Until it lengthen as the sun sinks down ; 
Then will I call thee, maiden, to resume 
Thy inarch. Fear not for me ; a wayfarer 
Of lowliest race, in garb and hue I seem, 
Such as do traverse oft this wilderness 
With scrip and staff'; there 's none who thus alone 
Will heed me : by thy side, 't were oilier, maiden. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 45 



KATHARINA. 

Go then ; a heavy sleep o'erpow'rs my being ; 
Pray thou the while for me ! Myself I pray 
That mine eternal Lord may ward all evil 
From this my lonely refuge. Fold thy wings 
Around me, Blessed One, and here I 'm safer 
Than e'er in guarded tow'r slept royal maid. 

[katharina stretches herself on the ground 
at some little distance from the mouth of 



Yes, lay thee in yon nook ; e'en one who found 
This cavern's entrance scarce would thence perceive 

thee. 
Farewell a while ; sleep sweetly. She hath closed 
Her eyes already ! God restore in time 
The strength she needs to carry her, ere midnight, 
Unto her desert home. But — can it be ? 
I hear a faint and far-off trumpet-sound — 
Or hath mine ear deceived me ? She did tremble 
Lest Gallus should send soldiers on her footsteps, 
And feared to bring ill luck on me ! I care not 
So she but 'scape. I will go forth and hearken 
In the free air again ; but be they near 
Or far, no safer nest could screen the bird 
They seek, than this where now I have bestowed her. 
Anew methinks I heard — or is it only 
Some wild-bird's cry ? Or can the desert breeze, 
Winding through clefts and crannies, imitate 
The warlike blast ? I '11 climb the ruined watch-tow'r, 
To mark if aught upon th' horizon shine 
Like gleam of weapons. 
(Looking towards katharina) Once again, God guard 

thee ! [Exit alcimus. 

Voices of unseen Spirits sing the following verses during 
katharina's 



With locks unwreathed, in dust-soiled garments dight, 
Maiden, thou lay'st thee down ; 



4(3 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

The while on high they weave thy garments white, 

Thine amaranthine crown ! 
Sleep ! for the way was long, and thou shalt wake 

Anew to strife and woe ! 
Sleep ! for in slumber doth the soul forsake 

Awhile her chains below. 
AVhile lasts thine hour of rest, invisibly 
Our watch we keep o'er thy repose and thee ! 
Thy pray'r is heard, an angel's wing 
Above thee floats ! no evil thing 
Hath pow'r to harm the maid whose trust 
Did never cleave to mortal dust ; 
For help celestial shall disarm 
Both tyrant force, and tempting charm. 

The pow'rs of earth are pressing nigh, 

Thy heart with fiery proof to try ; 

But thou, whose love hath found on high 

An all unworldly destiny, 

With steadfast will, with peaceful sense, 

Victorious in thine innocence, 

Nor fear'st nor feel'st the glowing might 

That in thy soul with God would fight. 

The fairest of the lying train, 

That o'er man's race as gods did reign, 

The winged boy with dart and torch 

Thine ice-cold breast full fain would scorch ; 

The heav'nly knot full fain would sever, 

That binds thee to thy Lord for ever ; 

But all in vain that archer's skill 

'Gainst hearts which love like thine doth fill ! 

[As the voices die awaij, porphyrius enters, without 
at first perceiving katharina; he seats himself on the 
same stone on which she teas discovered at the opening 

of the scene. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Oh whither hath she fled ? Because forsooth 

'T is noon, and something sultry, the base guides 

Who pilot us along this sea of sand. 

Must rest them in the shade ! I could have SCOUTSed 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 47 

The lazy knaves! but, save from them, how learn 

The way may lead me yet to my beloved ? 

If that be true that Theodora told us 

When urged by Lycophron, 't is like she bends 

Her course towards those subterranean cells, 

Where slink in fear of justice and of law 

The vot'ries of her God. 'T is true, the household 

Of Philo hath denied all sight and knowledge 

Of her we seek ; but 't is confessed, that dotard 

(Of whom her nurse did speak) crept secretly 

Ere dawning from the city ; and a woman 

Close-veiled went forth with him. There are who say 

" I seek for what were little worth the finding ;" 

Who tell me " that ethereal maid, too pure 

For marriage ties, is flown to meet a lover, 

Of birth and fortunes base alike." I heed not 

Such envious talk ! the child of Lycophron 

To a rash deed by madness may be warped ; 

By wanton will was never moved. To shun 

That she doth hold for sacrilege, she flies me. 

Why scrupled I to win her with fair falsehood ? 

Since, once compelled her self-framed vow to break, 

The vision of her marriage with a god 

Must leave her soul, which then such love would know, 

As needs must make my bliss, and her's withal ! 

Her kinsmen well may call me fool — faint-hearted, 

Who, witched by that sweet sophist, and aspiring 

To bear me worthy her, too strictly clung 

To truth, for my undoing — yea, and her's ! 

So shall it not be now, by all the gods ! 

Where'er I light on thee, thy pride I brave — 

Ay, and thy pray'rs and tears oh Katharina ! 

[He rises from his seat. 
Yet whereto serves the valour that but wakens 
When the foe flies ? Shall I again behold thee ? 
On earth and heav'n in vain I call ! Restore 
My bride unto my sight ! Can ye not hear 
The cry my soul sends forth ? I fain would pierce 
These rocks with lamentations that should ring 
Through the wide waste, till on thine ear they smote, 
Repeating still, " Why fledst thou, Katharina ?" 



48 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

KATHARINA (without <>/>< u'nni Inr < f/es). 

Who named my name? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

What murmured sound thrills through 

The stillness of this spot ? Or hath it been 
The echo of my voice ? 

katharina (her eyes still closed). 

They flung on me 
White roses as I slept, then lulled mine ear 
With songs so passing sweet ! 

porphyrius (advancing farther into the cave). 

A woman lies 
Upon the stony floor ! 'T is thou, Kath'rina ! 

katharina (starting, and half rising). 
Who taught thee thy way hither ? 
porphyrius. 

It was love ! 
The mightiest of the gods ! no mortal guided 
My steps. But I have found thee ! and this time 
Thou 'scap'st me not. 

KATHARINA. 

Loose — loose thy hold, Porphyrius ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

No — thou wouldst fly anew, and leave me here 

In hopeless loneliness ; thou go'st not hence 

Till thou with me, as mine, walk'st forth ! Thy fate 

Doth will it ; and the gods of love and marriage 

Have giv'n this cavern in the wilderness 

To be our bridal chamber ! 

katharina (struggling to free herself). 

Wouldst thou shame 
The daughter of thy host. ? 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 49 

PORPHYRIUS. 

It shames thee not 
To make thee one with him thy father calls 
E'en now thy husband. 

KATHARINA. 

Yet do I entreat thee 
To spare, through mercy — ay, through love — the maid 
Who at thy feet implores thee that thou take not 
That which she may not yield ! 

PORPHYRIUS {aside). 

I fain would stop 
Mine ears ! 

(Aloud) Thou didst repay me ill, Kath'rina, 
When yesterday I hearkened to thee ; wherefore 
The time's gone by when thou couldst cheat and mock 
Thy bridegroom with sweet words. Strive not. 

[As KATHARINA again struggles to free 
herself a flash of fire shoots from her left 
hand, momentarily illuminating the care. 
PORPHYRIUS starts back, releasing her 
in his amazement. 

Whence came 
That spark that lightened in mine eyes ? 

KATHARINA. 

I know not. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

It glowed upon thy finger, as thy hand 
Rose heav'nward ! 

KATHARINA. 

From the ring of my betrothment, 
I well believe (and thank my God therefore !) 
Hath fire flashed forth, to warn thee that thou touch not 
The bride of Christ. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

What may I deem ? Is 't witchcraft 
Whereby thou 'dst foil me ? or, art verily 
Espoused to one on high ? Of magic might 



50 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

1 take small heed, albeil with Beeming terrors 

It fence thee round : yet, could it be, thy madness 

(As I have ever held it) were but truth ? 

KAT1IARINA. 

Ere now hath truth been counted foolishness ; 
Of sorcery I 'm guiltless. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Would I knew 
What 't is I should believe ! 

KATHARINA. 

Believe the truth, 
Porphyrius ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Whatsoe'er that truth thou speak'st of, 
An awful glory circleth thee around, 
That blights my daring. I 've but made of thee 
A deadlier foe than erst ! 

KATHARINA. 

Thine enemy 
I am not, so thou 'bid'st thus far — no nearer ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Fear me not ! Thy soft hands could chain me ! Seest not, 
'T is I dread thee ! 

KATHARINA. 

If thou so dread my wrath, 
Depart from me. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

And leave thee here, to dwell 
In lurking holes of this drear wilderness ? 
Not so ! thy father, whom the will of Gallus 
In his own house imprisons, bade me lead thee 
(If the gods blessed my search) to distant Safe, 
Unto thy kindred in that ancient city, 
Since in his home he may not welcome thee. 
Wherefore, so soon as falls the evening shadow, 
With me must thou set forth. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 51 
KATHARINA. 

With thee ! my father 
Knew not what guide he gave me ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

I have bid thee 
Fear me no more. 

KATHARINA. 

Were this the lion's lair, 
Sooner I 'd keep its shelter than roam o'er 
Those wastes with thee. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Thou trust'st me not ! I 've earned me 
The punishment; yet mark me, Katharina, 
'T were better trust whom thou might'st ill defy ! 
Lo, I have ruled me — ay, will rule me yet, 
But think not I '11 depart. 'T is well for thee, 
Yes, well (for all thy magic ring's strange fire) 
'T was /who tracked thee, and no hound of Gallus ! 

KATHARINA. 

Doth the Proconsul hunt for me ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

He 's sworn 
That thou ere set of sun shalt learn how far 
The arm of Eome can stretch ; methought that mine, 
With love to nerve it, could yet farther reach, 
And swifter ; and I erred not, for I found thee ! 

KATHARINA. 

Fain would I trust ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Who trusts, doth bind her lover ! 
Now hearken, Katharina. Till the hour 
Be passed, which for their rest our guides have claimed, 
Here, in the cavern's mouth I '11 sit, nor ask 
For word or look from thee. But seek thou not 
To strive 'gainst fate, when I shall bid thee rise 
To travel unto Sai's in my guidance. 

e 2 



52 -I. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

R \ I II A i: IN A. 
[f such thy will, small pow'r have I to strive. 

[porphyrius places himself near the en- 
trance of the cavern, only occasionally 
watching ka tjiarina, who seats herself 
on a stone at some distance, and rather 
behind him. 
He bids me trust him ! And I well believe 
That his intent is fair ; but scarce can he 
(E'en now that he hath torn him hence) rein in 
The fierceness of that longing that consumes him. 
It flashes in his glance — in vain he 'd force 
His restless frame to stillness. He holds not 
'T is sin to seize what for his right he counts, 
And spares me but awhile, in hope to win 
By free consent that he by force had ta'en, 
Save that a wondrous sign from his bold purpose 
Did fright him. [She glances towards porphyrius. 

But already he repenteth 
Of that he deems his weakness. Gazed he not 
As though hell's fire shot through him, when he spake 
Of my mistrust, and said " 'T were ill for me 
To brave him ?" He doth hold the miracle 
For sore'ry, which to spurn, were manly daring, 
!Not sacrilege ; a moment may recall 

His boldness and my peril ! He hath turned 

His eyes from mine, as though by strong compulsion : 

His hands are folded o'er them. If I crept 

Forth through that eastern op'ning, Alcimus 

Did show me ! Stealing through it 's farther mouth 

I 'd seek that holy man, Avhom if I found not, 

And perished in the waste, still should my vow 

Be kept, and I, beneath the drifted sand, 

Should lie a stainless bride ! Our Lord can guard 

His own, as me He 's guarded to this hour; 

Yet He forbiddcth not — nay He commandeth — 

To flee from danger, nor despise the door 

Of safety chance doth open. 

[She rises cautiously, unseen, by roiiriiYRius. 
Though the bands 
Of ( Jallus, as he said, be on my track, 
They scarce as yet have reached thus far, nor know they 
The mazes of these rocks. Once more hath he 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 5o 

Looked on me ! Now he *s leaned his brow anew 

Upon the stone whate'er betide, I '11 'scape 

From him who sought unhallowed touch to lay 
Upon Thy spouse, dear Lord ! May my foot's tread 
Fall noiseless, as tow'rds yonder cleft I glide ! 
And thou, who still hath guided, guide me now 
Through subterraneous darkness to the light, 

That if my doom be death at least 1 breathe 

My life away beneath the golden sun ! 

[katharina disappears. 

Voice from without, near the entrance. 
We wait thee, master ! 

PORPHYRIUS (starting to his feet). 

I have better sped 
Than I did hope ; and tow'rds another point 
I now must bid ye lead me. Katharina ! 
The time hath come ! — where art thou ? 

{Looking round) Hath she fled 
Anew ? — but 't is impossible ! I sat 
Here at the cave's sole mouth ! Where hast thou hid thee, 
Mine own one? My betrothed? By all the gods, 
Yea, by thy own sweet self, thy fear doth wrong me ! 

Enter NiCANOR, Guides, and Attendants. 
NICANOR. 

What seek'st thou, friend ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Her whom I 'd found ; Kath'rina ! 

NICANOR. 

Thou found'st her ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Ay, and spake with her, 't is scarce 
Three minutes since. 



*0 

He raves ! (Aloud) If here thou saw'st her, 
Here should we too behold her ; through the hard 
And close-compacted sides of this low vault 
How should she shape her way ? 



.5 ^ ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

PORPHYRIU8. 

Or into iiir 
By magic art she 'a incited, or hath sunk 
Into earth's centre, but to fly from me ! 
She 's nigh ; perchance she hears. Art thou so ruthless 
That for a moment's rashness thou condemn'st me 
To torture endless as Ixion's doom? 
I move not hence ! this cave shall be my dwelling 
Or else my tomb. 

( To nicanor and the others) To you my speech doth seem 
Stark madness ; yet I found her. 

NICANOR. 

It may be ; 
But if she own the pow'r from mortal sight 
To vanish, yet stand heark'ning by, 't is like 
Her art may teach her through the granite's veins 
To thread her way ; wherefore 't were sooner giv'n thee 
Without to light on her. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

I knoAV not ; scarce 
I reck. [A distant trumpet sounds. 

Whence swelled that blast ? 

NICANOR. 

The trumpet-call 
Of Rome I hear. Thou knewest the Proconsul 
Was wending his way hither? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

'T was his purpose, 
I knew; but 

NICANOR. 

'Twixt th' intent and deed of G alius 
There 's small delay ; and if my kinsman's child 
Indeed be nigh, she will have need, be sure, 
Of all such magic sleights as she can wield, 
To 'scape his horsemen. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Then I would she lingered 
Yet in this den — if here thou be. Kath'rina. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 55 

Abide ! But with thee I '11 go forth, Nicanor, 
To learn if yonder Roman's murd'rous quest 
For her we seek, have more than mine availed him ! 
[Exeunt porphyrius, nicanor, Guides and Slaves. 

Scene II. The Desert. Soldiers halting, alcimus 
bound and guarded. A tent in the background. 

Enter porphyrius, nicanor, Guides and Slaves. 

NICANOR (to a Soldier.) 
You 're marching southward, friends ? 

SOLDIER. 

Not now ; I thank 
The gods we 're homeward bound ! The game we sought 
Hath fall'n into our net. 

nicanor (indicating alcimus). 

Mean 'st thou that greybeard ? 

SOLDIER. 

Ah, him we sought not ; but he 's one we 've toiled 
To find ere now ; one of that sect accurst 
Whose impious scorn of gods and men hath drawn 
111 luck upon our empire ; he had 'scaped us 
Anew — (for as I said, we sought him not, 
Although hard by), — were 't not he needs must rush 
Out from his hiding-place at sound of cries 
From one he could not help. 

porphyrius. 

Who called on him ? 

SOLDIER. 
Even that Christian damsel who hath fled 
Her home in Alexandria. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Ye seized not 
Lycophron's daughter ? 

SOLDIER. 

Chafe not so, young stranger ; 
The maid 's unharmed ; ay, and may safe abide — 



56 ST. KAMI A HIM: OF ALEXANDRIA. 

So she do heed good counsel ; but she shrieked 
With loud and bitter shriek, when, creeping forth 
From out yon cleft — (thou scest it not : no eye 
Untaught could trace it) — she beheld her girt 
AVith spearmen in this solitude ; our wonder 
Matched her's ; we thought to march some leagues ere 

fortune 
AVas like to give her to our hands. AA r e led her 
To Gallus straight. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

To Gallus ! The Proconsul 
Hath not himself come hither? 

SOLDIER. 

But he hath ! 
NICANOR. 
What moved him thus unwontedly ? 
SOLDIEH. 

I know not ; 
And scarce was like to ask; but Gallus leads us; 
Beneath his tent, he and the Greek Archippus 
Are with the maid now communing ; behold them ! 

The tent door opens; gallus, archippus, and katha- 
rina, with Guards and Slaves advance from it to the 
front. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

She sees me not ! How deadly pale her visage ! 

gallus. 
This pris'ner, soldiers, must Ave straight lead back 
For judgment to the city. 

(To nicanor and porphyrius) I did give her 
Into her father's hands, upon conditions, 
AVhich, being unfulfilled, in Cresar's name 
And right, I claim that she in bonds do sit 
Until that charge be answered, wherewithal 
Her own tongue hath accused her. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Deem'st thou, Gallus, 
'T was possible that wedding thou consentedst 
To take as pledge that she no more should err 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 57 

Against the empire's law, could in this space 
With all fair rites be solemnized ? 

GALLUS. 

I know not 
About " fair rites " and banquets ; but I know 
That, were all willing, she had been thy wife 
Ere now, Porphyrius. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

And my wife I hold her ! 

GALLUS. 

She holds not thee her husband ! Answer, maiden, 
If his thou art ? 

nicanor {aside to katharina). 

Nay, say thou 'rt his, Katharina ! 

katharina. 
How may I say what is not ? 

GALLUS. 

Hast thou even 
Betrothed thee unto him ? 

KATHARINA. 

My father bade me 
Hold me his bride. 

GALLUS. 

I speak not of thy father ! 
{To porphyrius) This marriage ne'er hath been, and 

ne'er will be ; 
So much the damsel hath averred already. 
Wherefore she must abide her judgment. (To the soldiers) 

Bring ye 
The litter shall convey her. 

[porphyrius draws near katharina, 
while GALLUS is kept in conversation with 
NICANOR and ARCHIPPUS. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Would I 'd dealt 
With thee in other guise ! 



That thou wert merciful ! 



katharina. 

Repent thou not 



58 ST. KATHARINE 6l Alexandria. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

How not repent 
Of that which perils thee? Thou knowest Burely 
"Wherein doth end that judgment ? 

KATHARINA. 

Yea, fuU well, 

PORPHYRIUS. 

And thou hadst 'scaped it, if less woman-like 

I 'd borne me ! Thou must needs have called thee mine ; 

And from his word, giv'n in the market-place, 

He there (Looking towards gallus) could scarce go 

back. Nay, I had led thee, 
Ere now, half-way to Sa'is, from the line 
That these did tread, far off'. 

KATHARINA. 

And unto Sais 
It may be I had gone, as bade my father, 
Were 't not thou scaredst me. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

And thou bought'st thy safety — 
From fear I swore was vain — with risk of life ! 
Couldst thou not trust his faith, who, for thy love 
E'en then had fettered the rebellious might 
Within him ? 

KATHARINA. 

I did err ; for on my God 
E'en in that trance of dread I should have leaned 
With firmer trust. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Yea, thou didst err, Kath'rina ! 
For as a brother I had guided thee 
By night and day till in thy kindred's home 
Thou found'st thy rest ! Thou wrong'dst me, Katharina ; 
Ay, and thyself, who, sooner than to mine, 
Into yon Roman's ruthless hands hast giv'n thee ! 

gallus {breaking off from nicanor and archippus). 
It may not be ; too much to these respects 
Of birth, and sex. and breeding have I yielded: 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 59 

T is proved that none can guide her ; least of all 
This would-be bridegroom. (To porphyrius) From 

the prisoner 
Thou must draw back ; ye hold no farther converse. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Who dares forbid ? 

GALLUS. 

The majesty of Rome. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Enforced by thee, and these ? {indicating the Soldiers). 

NICANOR and ARCHIPPUS. 

Hush— hold ! 

KATHARINA. 

Porphyrius, 
I pray thee, for that love whereof thou 'st giv'n me 
More than aught earthly 's worth, from fruitless wrath 
Refrain, nor strive with might by God permitted. 
Farewell. 

GALLUS. 

A madman's safe with me. 

KATHARINA. 

I crave 
One moment's license, of that aged man 
(Whom I have cost right dear) to ask his blessing. 

[gallus signs to his Soldiers to permit her. 

ALCIMUS. 

'T is thine, my daughter. God on thee bestow 
Strength for thy trial ! 

KATHARINA. 

And thou pardonest 
The ill I 've brought on thee ? 

ALCIMUS. 

As ill I count not 
What 's dealt us for good deeds. 



O'O BT. KA III LBINE I >l ALEXANDRIA, 

KATHABINA. 

For these kind words 
I thank thee. (To porphyrius) Unto thee once more 

Farewell, 
Son of my father's friend ! 

[katharina enters the litter prepared for 
her, and is carried out attended by Soldiers. 

ALCIMUS (to PORPHYRIUS). 

Art thou the youth 
Who loves the child of Lycophron ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

It skills not 
If I do love or hate a maid who guerdons 
Her foes and friends alike. But thou, old man, 
Taught'st thou to her the faith accurst, wherefore 
She ventures her dear life ? 

ALCIMUS. 

Another sowed 
The holy seed within her heart ; I tended 
Awhile its growth, and I did hither guide 
Her steps, when from her home she fled. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Thou boastest 
Thereof, as though \ were virtue ! Never fell 
Th' avenging axe on guiltier head ! But whereto 
Shall serve thy righteous doom ! For Katharina 
It buys not life. 

ALCIMUS. 

Too truly speak'st thou, son 
Of Hyparinus ; and too well do I 
Remember my own youth to chide thy heat. 
Yet time shall come — nor far the day — when thou 
Shalt hold for thy best bliss what now thou cursest. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

What means he ? But one madness doth possess 
Teacher and pupil of their sect. 

[Emit alcimus guarded, followed by gal- 

lus and his whoh. train, sacc archip- 

PUS, who lingers behind . 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 61 

ARCHIPPUS. 

Say, whither 
Wilt thou betake thee now, Porphyrius, 
Since that, wherefore thou left'st thy home in Antioch 
Is lost ? and thou wouldst but abide to share 
The mourning of the house of Lycophron ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Where'er I be, henceforth I mourn for ever ; 

While Katharina lives, the air she breathes 

I too would breathe ! and when they 've slain my love, 

Still will your city's earth contain her dust. 

Speed homeward — and I follow. Tell her sire 

That if he yet do hold me for his guest, 

By nightfall I will greet him. 

[Exeunt nicanor and archippus. 
Then will I 
Bid him avenge her ! though I fain would hide 
From Lycophron what from myself I hide not. 
'T is i" have slain thee, mine own love ! 'T is I, 
Whose hot desire did drive thee from thy refuge ! 
In blood would I atone — but vain alike 
Are vengeance and repentance to set free 
Her, whom my deeds have made the thrall of Gallus ! 
Once more must I behold her — hoped I not 
Therefore, this sand were with my heart's stream 

crimsoned ! 
How works one moment's act to rear a pile 
Of woes that crush out life ! And I have called me 
Wise, yea, and stedfast ! Now were I content 
Almost to call me Christian — so I won me 
A portion in thy fate and in thine urn, 
Thou fairest of earth's daughters, and thou holiest! 



62 8T. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 



ACT IV. 

Scene I. The Inner Court of the ProconmPs Palace in 
Alexandria. An altar with fire burning on it stands 
in the centre of the Court before a statue of Jupiter. A 
guard of Soldiers is in attendance, nicanor and 
archippus stand in front. 

NICANOR. 

Thou shouldst know somewhat of his mind ; he grants 

thee 
More of his ear than unto most. 

ARCHIPPUS. 

His ear ! 
Yea, truly, he doth ofttimes lend it me ; 
But if thou deem'st he therefore into mine 
Doth pour his thought, thou err'st. 

NICANOR. 

Yet thoughts unspoken 
Are ever and anon, through look, and mien, 
And circumstance, revealed to him who stands 
Thus ever near, and hath both eye and wit 
Wherewith to mark and learn. Canst frame no guess 
Whether his purpose be, to th' uttermost 
To execute the doom her folly's wrought her, 
Or whether — 'spite stern words — he do but mean 
Somewhat to bow her pride and damp her zeal, 
With strict imprisonment, the weariness 
Whereof hath oft worn down more steadfast souls 
Than this young Katharina's. 

ARCHIPPUS. 

Hark thee, friend, 
'T is doubtful, as me seemeth, if within 
His own close bosom G alius have determined 
To push her to her fate, or to relax 
The rig'rous question and command he 's threatened. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 63 

A fantasy came o'er me — (tell it not 
To Lycophron ! ) — as though our grave Proconsul 
Had cast an eye that spake not of sheer wrath 
Upon the maid. 

NICANOR. 

That were a boldness passing 
What Romans and Proconsuls yet have shown us ! 
A damsel of our house ! 

ARCHIPPUS. 

Why — true it is, 
'T would somewhat drain his coffers to restore 
Unto his wife in Rome her wealthy dow'ry ; 
Yet might he take that venture, if he thought 
Thereafter to espouse th' inheritance 
Of Lycophron (were such fair lot unsullied 
By taint of Christian errors, which nor wealth 
Nor birth can e'er gloss' over). It may be 
That I have but imagined this, whereof 
I talk to thee, old friend ; still — on that day 
He stopped her flight, as we approached this city 
Bringing her captive hitherward, he bade me 
Draw near her litter, and strive once again 
To purge the madness from her soul, declaring 
How bare of glory is this death she courts, 
How vain, how aimless ; urging therewithal 
The praise she 'd win, if wisely she disowned, 
The doctrines of that sect, philosophy 
Abhorreth ; yea, the lordly path would open 
Before her, through alliance nobler far 
And mightier than her father had designed. 
All this I said. 

NICANOR. 

And what replied Kath'rina ? 

ARCHIPPUS. 

That what 7" held for error was the truth ; 
And, for the rest, if she with mortal man 
Could wed, her father's pledge would she redeem, 
Joining her with Porphyrius. Unto Gallus 
I told her answer ; first he knit his brow, 



Ij+ ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

Then smiled a bitter smile, and said " she flings 
Her last chance from her." True, the man were moon- 
struck, 
Who took such maid to wife/albeit she 's fair. 
'T is pity of her ! but the dungeon-gloom 
Some space endured, perchance may teach her more 
Than all the talk we 've wasted. If it fail, 
As much I 'm doomed to sentence her, as she 
T' abide my sentence." Thus he spake, 't is now 
Full four days since ; nor hath he from that hour 
Made mention of the damsel, save to tell me, 
That he admits none other of the kindred 
And friends of Katharina, but thyself 
And Lycophron, to hear this day her answer 
Unto the accusation. 

NICANOR. 

He doth take 
Strange pow'rs on him ! but that 's naught new. 

ARCHIPPUS. 

A hearing 
Giv'n in his house (and giv'n through grace, to spare 
Thy kinsman's pride) by other laws is guided 
Than is a trial in the market-place ; 
And he may deem 't is his to close or open 
His gate to whom he will. {Enter gallus.) He comes ! 
[gallus seats himself on his tribunal^ after 
giving his hand to arciiippus arid to 

NICANOR. 

GALLUS. 

I greet ye, 
My friends. A heavy task to-day is mine, 
Nicanor, if this maiden have not learnt 
Some wisdom ; but there 's many a one (I hold) 
Who in the market-place through sight and sound 
Of wond'ring throngs, is buoyed up to abide 
By some wild doctrine or rebellious axiom, 
Yet straight would yield it up, or into naught 
Explain it, were none hearers but the few 
Unswayed by novelty. {To NICANOR ) Thy kinswoman 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 65 

Can count on no applause of heart or tongue 
To rash discourse (though friendly be her judges) 
Within these gates ; and therefore, well I hope, 
She '11 bend her. — But there cometh Lycophron, 
And there his daughter. 

(Enter lycophron on one side ; on the other a covered 
litter is borne in, from which KATHARINA descends, 
while nicanor and archippus a^oroacA lycophron, 
and conduct him to a seat near that of gallus.) 

Would that she might bear her 
In guise that should permit me to restore 
The child unto the father ! 

katharina (as to herself). 

Scarce mine eyes, 
Used to the prison's darkness, and the shade 
Of the close litter, can endure the glare 
Of sunlight ; yet I welcome its bright radiance, 
And breathe with thanks to God the air's fresh 

sweetness ! 
(Catching sight o/lycrophon on the opposite side) Who 

sits beside my judges ? (Aloud) Father, grant 
Pardon unto thy child, who should have borne 
Thy wrath — not fled from it, 

LYCOPHRON. 

I pardon thee 
For all wherein 'gainst me thou 'st erred ; against 
Thyself are thy worst errors, whence I pray 
The gods may yet recall thee ! 

GALLUS. 

Katharina, 
Daughter of Lycophron, five days have passed 
Since thou, in hearing of these citizens, 
And mine, avow'dst that in the Christian lore 
Thou didst instruct thine uncle's freedman, braving 
Th' imperial edicts by thine act. If thereof 
Thou now repent thee, and by worshipping 
Thy country's gods, wilt prove thyself reclaimed 
From thy delusion, well — [katharina stands motionless, 
I. pause to hear 

F 



66 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDR] \. 

Thine answer; still no word ? I bid thee now 
Tell me and these, art Christian, Katharina? 

KATHARINA, 

I thank my Lord, that in His holy name 
I was baptized, who died for me ; wherefore 
Thereby I call me, and must call me ever. 

LYCOPHRON. 

The words are spoken, and she dies ! 

GALLUS. 

'T is giv'n thee 
With casting of that incense on yon flame 
To show thee penitent. 

KATHARINA. 

I but repent 
That I was slow to make my faith's confession ? 



Since thus thou scorn'st our clemency, the doom 

Which thine impiety and thy rebellion 

Against the gods and Cassar bring on thee, 

Is death ; such death as, witnessed, shall engrave 

On each beholder's soul in lines of dread 

The punishment by justice claimed for crimes 

Against th' immortals. By the tort'ring wheels 

New wrought of late, to be the penalty 

Of deeds like thine, in three days' space thou diest, 

If ere that term thou bow not at Jove's altar. 

KATHARINA. 

So help me my Redeemer and my Lord, 
As best I may, the tortures I '11 endure ; 
For death — it will be Avelcome. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Hailest thou 
The fate that shall bereave me ? Thankless child ! 

KATHARINA. 
Not thankless, no ! But it may be, my Father, 
More than my life, my death may profit thee. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. hi 

LYCOPHRON. 
How may that be ? I pray thee, Gallus, call thcui 
Thy lictors back some space, that I may speak 
One last word to my daughter. 

[The Guards retire at a sign from GALLUS, 
leaving katharina free to converse with 
her Father, while nicanor and others 
draw near the Proconsul. 
Katharina, 
Is 't well to leave thy father lone and childless ? 
Because thou deem'st thy God forsooth were angered 
At casting this much myrrh before yon image ? 

KATHARINA. 

Father, if thou and I had lived — as oft 

I 've heard thee wish we lived — in those proud days 

When free and glorious dwelt our ancestors 

In homes their swords defended, say, wouldst thou 

Bid son or daughter of thy house buy life 

With treach'ry to thy city ? Well I know 

With thine own hands thou 'dst sooner slay the recreant 

Than see such deed of shame ! 

LYCOPHRON. 

I ask thee not 
For treachery. 

KATHARINA. 

A holier tie — a mightier — 
Doth bind me to my God, than e'er hath bound 
Sworn soldiers to their chief, true citizens 
Unto their city ! for I vowed to own 
Him only, and all others to forsake ! 
Thou wouldst not I were perjured ? 

LYCOPHRON. 

Hapless girl, 
For thine undoing gifted with high heart, 
And speech heroic ! But thou sway'st not me 
By force of misused eloquence to share 
Thy madness ! Yet bethink thee, fear'st thou not 
The torture — the fell wheels ! 

KATHARINA. 

I fear them sore ; 
f2 



C8 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

Bui He for whom I dare them, can endue 

The weak with strength. 

(. M.I.I -. 

Time passes, L\ cophron, 
Ami long already thy farewell hath lasted. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Farewell ! is 't thus indeed ? 

KATHARINA. 

Yea father, shake not, 
I pray thee, my frail spirit with the sight 
Of grief thus hopeless ! Grant unto Ins soul, 
Oh God, such light and life as unto mine 
Thou 'st giv'n ! (To lycophron) In dream and vision, 

unto thee 
And him thou call'st my bridegroom, will I show me, 
If 't is permitted. 

LYCOPHRON. 
With th' accursed litter 
They 're drawing near ! What saidst thou of thy 

bridegroom, 
Lost Katharina? Thou know'st not how well 
He loves thee ! 

KATHARINA. 

Yea, I know. 

LYCOPHRON. 

And he did bid me 
Beseech thy pardon for some fault he named not, 
But rues right bitterly. 

KATHARINA. 

Oh tell him, father, 
'T was long ere now forgiv'n ! Forgive thou too 

[Kneeling. 
The sorrow that I 've bred thee ! 

LYCOPHRON. 

How forgive 
The deeds that tear thee from mine eyes? Yet how 
Refuse thy pray'r? T is granted thee, Kath'rina. 

[KATHARINA O'lSes ; LYCOPHRON clasps 

her in his arms, till he is led away on one 
side by ntcanor, and she is borne off on 
the other in the litter. GALLUS and 
ARCHIPPUS remain. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 69 

GALLUS (to ARCHIPPUS). 

I feared it would be thus ; yet have I sought 

To open loopholes, would she but creep through them ; 

Now — if the sight of yonder wheels appal not 

Her senses in such measure as may shake 

Her purpose at the last — her doom is sealed. 

ARCHIPPUS. 

And thou wilt truly slay her ? 

GALLUS. 

'T is not I ! 
'T is Csesar ! — 'T is Rome's law. 

ARCHIPPUS. 

Most true ; I erred 
In speech ; I did but mean 

GALLUS. 

Oh ! good Archippus, 
I know thou meant'st naught ill, I know thou 'rt ever 
The friend doth most avail me ; and this day 
To me and to the State thou may'st do service, 
By lending a quick ear to all that 's said — 
Ay, whispered — in the house of Lycophron. 
That he and his be grieved — it must be so ; 
That they be angered — I forgive it them ; 
Still they were wise to mourn for her in silence 
Whom they so ill have ruled, nor hearken to 
The ravings of that love-sick youth from Antioch, 
Who — as it hath been told me — feareth not 
To slander me, as though (by execution 
Of Caesar's edict) I had laid this city 
Beneath some new-invented tyranny. 
'T is but because I used my lawful power, 
And barred his entrance hither, to take part 
In that wherein nor right nor claim hath he 
To judge or witness, We did hold him staunch 
Unto our temples ; but so utterly 
Is he besotted for a girl that mocks him, 
That small would be my wonder should he own him 
A Christian, ere all 's done. 

ARCHIPPUS. 

What he ? Porphyrius? 



70 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

GALLUS. 

Ay, he ! Why, heard'sl thou Dot, thai yesterday 
He stood among the throng who saw how death 
Was dealt upon the Christian Alcimus? 
There did he listen to the maniac's talk 

Of spirits, and of op'ning heaven I know not 

What folly more but our philosopher 

Exclaimed aloud in hearing of the many 

(When justice had been done) "that in the faith 

Of these same Christians must be somewhat holier, 

And mightier than abidcth in the law 

That rules o'er others ; else could none so meekly 

And yet so bravely suffer, when no praise 

Of man was thereby earned." How thinkest thou ? 

Is that the speech it fits a citizen 

To utter in our streets ? Porphyrins 

Of Antioth was — we deemed — as wise as wealthy ; 

And therefore had I strained some points to win 

And keep him to our side ; but now he 's shown him 

Thus ill-advised, 't is good that I take heed 

Lest he his riches and his wits surrender 

To them that guide this sect. Wherefore mark thou, 

If Lycophron through grief and wrath be moved 

To let this firebrand kindle him to thoughts 

Rash and rebellious, or if — as beseemeth 

His years — unto the youth he preach submission. 

ARCHIPPUS. 

I think not Lycophron were minded ever 
To take rash counsels. 

GALLUS. 

'T is the better for him : 
Yet mark his bearing. 

ARCHIPPUS. 

Eye and car shall lend 
Their utmost service. 

GALLUS. 
And if aught unwonted 
Should hap, thereof 1 trust to hear, Archippus, 
Ere these ih\ friends have space themselves to harm, 
Or others. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 71 
ARCHIPPUS. 

Thou may'st ever count me, Gallus, 
Thy friend, before all else. 

GALLUS. 

For such I hold thee, 
Well-tried and sure. 

ARCHIPPUS. 

No longer on thine hours 
Of labour will I trespass. 

GALLUS. 
For awhile, 
Farewell to thee ! [Exit archippus. 

" Before all else my friend !" 
Yes, that is he ! and would be — were I hence — 
To whomsoe'er he saw upon my seat. 
Archippus is " the friend of the Proconsul ;" 
And with good cause, for they who see him thus 
Beside me ever, to the friend of Gallus 
Do honour scarce were paid him else ; meantime, 
A well-born spy, who asks no meed in gold, 
Who deems him recompensed when I am gracious, 
Aids both the State and me. (To a Soldier) This night's 

first watch 
Thou hast thy station 'twixt the gate that leads 
Unto the fane of Pallas and the postern 
Of this my house ? 

SOLDIER. 

That post our chief assigned. 

GALLUS. 
Then if one flitted hither through the gloom, 
By the lone path that from the prisons leadeth, 
And uttered this night's word, ask thou no question ; 
But rather show the way tow'rds yonder wicket. 
Whate'er befalls, unto thy comrades speak not 
Of this thy secret service. If thou bear thee 
Wisely and warily, it well may be 
Again I '11 trust thee ; and the hand of Gallus 
Hath ne'er been slow or scant to guerdon them 
Who do his will in silence. 



7:2 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

80LDIER. 

The Proconsul 
Shall be obeyed. 
G m.i.i - (turning back, after having gone a st<j> towards 
the entrance-door). 
And — hark thee ! — should that figure, 
Having swept by thee, turn or right or left, 
Such wand'ring thou must hinder; onward hither 
Thou must compel its steps, if need there be 
For such compulsion. 

SOLDIER. 

In all things thy pleasure 
Shall be fulfilled. A soldier I — no prater ! 

[Exit Soldier. GALLUS remains with no 
Attendant but a J. uhlan Slate. 

GALLUS (to the Slate). 
Ere thou attend the keeper of the prisons, 
This evening, Syphax, I would speak with thee. 

[Exit Lybian, after an obeisance, while 
GALLUS enters the house. 



Scene II. The Interior of a Prison by Night, dimly 
lighted by an iron lamp. A small loophole at the bach- 
Is at first closed, but on being afterwards opened, admits 
a ray of moonlight. KATHARINA is half reclined on a 
low bench, bdning against the wall, her eyes closed as 
in -deep. A wreath of flowers lies on the ground at her 
feet. 

KATHARINA (starting, as if suddenly awakened). 
What shakes the cell? What angry sound thus grates 
On my stunned ear? I know not if I 'vc slept. 
Or waked since twilight; but — 't was causeless dread 
O'ercame me now ! — for that 1 heard is naught 
Save drawing of the bolt without: the watch 
Hath changed, and they — to prove if bolt and bar 
Hold fasl — do fit them on anew. I Mould 
They'd left me to dream on- if dream it were — 
Which gave me back, in living form and semblance, 



ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. . 73 

That on the memory whereof I 've fed me 

So long ! The crown of lilies o'er me hovered, 

Ay, and the staff of palm ! Above them beamed 

A radiant shape, on whom when I upraised 

Mine eyes, as blinded by the sight, to earth 

I sank ; nor, till through death's dread gate I 've passed, 

May I undazzled gaze upon that brightness ! 

Yet, mightier than the terror was the bliss 

Vouchsafed, thus to o'erpay me for the days 

And nights I 've lived through here, where on my sense 

The gloom so presses — on my soul so weighs 

The thought of them, who in their ignorance 

Bewail me! I am giv'n of the Proconsul 

Three days, whereof one 's past, and half its course 
The night hath run ! But that through pray'r I hope 
And Grod-giv'n strength, in firmer arms arrayed 
To meet mine utmost trial, I could pray 
That this next dawn might bring it. Still, it may be 
For a good end the long-drawn sorrow 's doomed me. 
Wherefore I bow thereto, and thank His mercy 
Who hath not only deigned with His bright presence 
To glad His captive, but doth oft permit 
Her ears to catch distinct — though faint and far — 
Through the thick dungeon-walls the choral song 
Of them who from the depths of earth adore Him ! 
I ever knew the Christians' vault of pray'r 
Was nigh unto the prison : but I deemed not 
(When I, with Theodora, joined my voice 
To theirs avIio worshipped in that crypt) the strain 
Reached hither, and brought comfort to their spirits 
Who languished here. Their midnight hymn they raise ! 
Distant chorus. 
" Lord, to thee, by night and day 
Strong in hope, we sing and pray !"* 

KATHARINA. 

I should be strong, if any ! — I who bear 

This token on my finger ! Yet, I need 

Your pray'rs, my brethren, that, through deadly fear, 

And weakness of this flesh, the hope that lives 

Within me, fail not ! Once again they chant.. 

* Words of a hymn in Handel's oratorio of " Theodora." 



/4 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA, 

Chorus. 

" Though convulsions rock the ground. 
And Thy thunders roll around, 
Still to Thee, by night and day, 
Strong in hope, Ave sing and pray." 

KATHARINA. 

The voices die away ; but to my heart 

Their tones have brought a message, and I share 

That hope they boast, that hope that 's born of faith 

Unwav'ring in His love, who through the path 

Of deadly anguish, to the realm of bliss 

And glory, shall transport my ransomed soul ! 

{After a pause) Meseems as e'en my fevered frame were 

tasting 
Some freshness and some rest ! At last my jailor 
Hath oped yon loophole, and the cooling breeze 
Of night plays o'er me. 

[She picks tip the wreath of flowers, laying 
them listlessly on her lap. 

From these flow'rs the slave 
(The Lybian) brought at sunset, the soft air 
Now draws perfume they owned not, Avhen he laid them 
Before me with the pitcher and the lamp. — 
How sweet their breath ! — Yet scarce I thanked the 

boy 
For his so courteous off 'ring ; 't was because 
My thoughts were far away ; and since that time 
(Be it in heav'n-sent dream or waking vision) 
I 've sat for this whole watch in contemplation 
Of that, which well might keep both eyes and mind 
From aught on earth. [Taking the flowers in her hand. 

Now I remember me, 
He said the flow'rs were rare ; — that this white bell 
Would fairer bloom, if from the rest I loosed it. 
It droopeth now — so tightly bound — no marvel ! 
In heathen ignorance he said 't would bring me 
Good luck, if straight I twined that flow'r alone 
Amid my locks. 'T is pity of the youth, 
Who fondly leans upon such vanity. 
Ha ! What hath falTn?— a scroll ? It was therefore 
lie bid me loose the garland ! 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 75 

PORPHYRIUS {from the opening behind). 
Katharina, 
If 't were but for one moment, draw thou near ! 

katharina {rising). 
Porphyrius ! Can it be ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Night after night 
I 've striv'n for entrance to the prison-court 
In vain ; nor pray'r nor gold I 've spared ; from twilight 
Beside the outer gate I 've stood till dawning ! 
Through chance this midnight have I better sped, 
And lighted on a youth who gladly sold me 
His mantle and his turn for the mid-watch, 
The readier, as he knew — too well, alas ! — 
Naught wider than a close-barred chink doth open 
This side thy cell! Tell me now that thou toldest 
Thy father ! 

KATHARINA. 

That I 'd pardoned thee ? with lip 
And heart as ready I repeat the same. 
But say, Porphyrius, is this scroll, that hither 
By stealth was brought, from thee ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

I would it were ! 
Could I but bribe the inner prison's jailor, 
Short were thy thraldom ! But what saith it ? Speak ! 

KATHARINA. 

I know not ; I but found it as thou call'dst me. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Haste ! read me quick the lines ! bring here the lamp ! 
[katharina places the lamp on the ledge 
formed by the loophole, and reads from 
the strip of parchment. 

katharina {reading). 
" If, ere the night's first watch be spent, thou press 
The door on thy right hand, 't will ope to thee ; 
Speed onward then unto the outer grate, 
Which also to thy touch shall yield ; thereafter 



76 ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. 

Say the night's watchword (*'T is Saturnia') 
Unto the sentinel : then forward straight 
Under a narrow portal, whereunto 
That soldier well can guide thee, for therein 

Friends wilt thou find and safety; only tear not 
At once to take the venture. Haste ! delay not." 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Speaks the scroll truth ? Hast proved if verily 
That door do stand unbarred ? 

[katharina tries the side-door of Iter cell, 
but finds it bolted. 

But no — 't is fast, 
And the first watch is o'er ! was't but in mock'rv 
They bid thee ny ? When brought they thee these 
lines? 

KATHARINA. 

At nightfall ; but I knew not aught lay hid 
Among those flow'rs, the off'ring of a slave, 
A dark-hued youth, methinks of Gallus' household. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Of Gallus ! 

KATHARINA. 

Yes — so said the jailor — twice 
Or thrice with him he came ; ere now he bore me 
My food, but spake not, till this eve he told me 
If I did wish for luck, t' unbind this wreath 
He brought me. With my keeper he departed, 
And I but deemed some idle fancy moved him 
To think th' untwining of his flow'rs could sway 
My fortunes. Wherefore from mine orisons 
I stopped not ; and when borne aloft on wings 
Of pray'r, to Him my vent'rous spirit soared 
Who with delight that ends not, will repay 
The faith I bear him — of each earthly thing 
1 lost all sense — of time and space unwitting, 
Until the crash of bolts at midnight roused me 
To know myself a captive. 

PORPHYRI1 s. 

In ill hour 

Thou paid st thine orisons ! 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 77 

KATHARLNA. 

Nay, say not so. 

PORPHTRIUS. 

I must ! for hadst thou earlier read, it may be 

That thou wert hence and safe ! Deem'st thou some 

Christian 
Could bribe the warders ? 

KATHARINA (re-examining the scroll). 

'T is no Christian wrote 
This call 

[Site holds the lamp closer to the strip of 
parchment, showing it to porphyrius 
as she speaks. 
Thou seest it lacks the sign wherewith 
We ever mark our tablets. 

porphyrius. 

'T is the hand 
Of Gallus ! but this day I saw his letter 
Unto Nicanor, wherein he doth spurn 
His pray'r and mine for thee ; the self-same fingers 
Have traced both scrolls ! 

KATHARINA. 

What meaneth he ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Him lists not 
To give thee to thy father's arms again, 
But fain he 'd lure thee to his own ; the portal 
He talks of, 't is the postern of his palace ; 
Hadst thou therein once entered — if thou couldst 
Have 'scaped, I know not — but 't were harder task 
Than from that cave to flee, whence thou didst rush 
Into his grasp ! 

KATHARINA. 

Those orisons — that trance 
Of contemplation thou didst well nigh curse — 
They saved me ! God hath willed my death, but wills 
That unforsworn I die and unpolluted ! 



78 ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. 

PORFHYRIUS. 

Better to glut his wrath, than sate his lust ! 
But by the gods — yea, by thy God — Kath'rina, 

I '11 save thee from such choice, uow I can show him 

A judge unjust in the world's eye and Caesar's ! 

He boasts his zeal, denies thy kinsmen's pray'r, 

By secret practice would decoy thee hence, 

Then say thou fled'st through witchcraft ! Give to me 

The scroll ! 

KATHARINA. 

'T will not avail — his might stands firm ; 
And thou wouldst perish in thy sins — 't were better 
I said thine ignorance. I pray thee tell me 
If Alcimus yet lives ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

He hath departed. 

KATHARINA. 

Art sure? Dost know? 



And I stood by. 



PORPHYRIUS. 

'T was in the market-place, 

KATHARINA. 

To witness his confession? 



PORPHYRIUS. 

Ay, and his death. 

KATHARINA. 

How died he ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

As became 
Thy teacher, Katharina. 

KATHARINA. 

Said he naught 
I fain would hear? 

PORPHYRIUS. 

He bid me say to thee 
Ill-omened words. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 79 

KATHARINA. 

Oh tell me them, Porphyrius, 
If e'er thou lov'dst me ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

By such adjuration 
Constrained, that I abhor I needs must utter. 
His speech (not mine), was thus — " the pangs are short, 
The glory endless, and the Lord stands by, 
Through the hard fight still cheering on his soldier." 

KATHARINA. 
I thank him, and thank thee, who hast compelled 
Thy lip to that thou deem'st ill luck and folly. 
Not ever wilt thou deem it thus — not ever — 
If my heart's pray'r avail. Now thou hast seen 
How dies a servant of that Lord, whose life 
And death herein are told, if I did give thee 
This my best jewel, wouldst thou, when I'm gone, 
Read that its pages hold ? 

[KATHARINA takes a book from her bosom, 
and holds it towards porphyrius. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

When thou art gone, 
Where think'st thou I abide ? But ere thou 'rt torn 
From life and light, my love, yon hypocrite 
Shall feel their wrath whom now he tramples on ! 

[porphyrius receives the book from KATHA- 
RINA, and at the same moment seizes the 
strip of parchment which she still retained 
in her hand. 
I 've ta'en thy gift ! — And now I 've snatched therewith 
What proves this Gallus lawless as he 's ruthless, 
There 's hope I read it ere thou 'rt gone ! 

KATHARINA. 

Oh rush not 
On perils sure as deadly ! 

porphyrius. • 
For thy God 
Thou fearest not to die ? As much for thee 



80 ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. 

I dare, as thou for him! henceforth thy life-thread 
And mine arc intertwined : since by this venture 
I save thee, or like fate to thine I Bhare ! 

| porphyrii s disappears. 

KATHARINA. 
Take pity, Father, on his ignorance ! 
And when thou 'st called me, as I deem and trust 
Ere long thou 'It do, through death to life, then change 
His heart's wild longing for such calm remembrance, 
As at the last shall lead him to thy knowledge. 
He that once knows, in time must love, the God 
"Who hath by faith revealed Him to his soul ; 
But I would not he perished, thus on fire 
"With earthly love, with wrath, and bitter hate, 
And all unheeding of thy grace and truth ! 
"Wherefore me rather had, that to the fate 
Whereto I had resigned me, I were left. 
(After a pause) A mingled hope and fear in turn possess 
My troubled soul ; why hope ? Why fear ? 

[katharina falls on her knees. 
Thou High 
And Holy One, who guardest thy betrothed 
From earthly scathe, dost know if life or death 
Shall best avail me, and on thee I lean! 



3T. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 81 



ACT V. 

Scene I. A Hall in the Proconsul's Palace at dawning. 

GALLUS and his Lybian Slave SYPHAX. 

GALLUS. 

Thou gav'st it her ? 

SYPHAX. 

And bade her loose the wreath. 
That bound it, if she e'er would own good fortune. 
I might not, in the jailor's sight, risk more. 

GALLUS. 
Thou might'st have lingered. 

SYPHAX. 

Nay my lord, the keeper 
Sends me first out. 

GALLUS. 

The fellow 's ill to deal with, 
I know, or had not needed to give thee 
Such charge. 

SYPHAX. 
Moreover, had I angered him, 
He scarce had giv'n me license to go seek 
The staff I 'd dropped, whereby I found occasion 
To do thy bidding, master, and withdraw 
The bolts. 

GALLUS. 

It profits much that thou withdrew'st them ! 
Go hence ! \Exit syphax. 

slave {entering). 
Here 's one would speak unto my lord. 
GALLUS (to a Centurion who enters as the Slave withdraws). 
What wouldst thou, friend ? 

G 



82 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

(T.VI I RION. 

"I' is but that tlic Proconsul 
Should know, that lie who kept the second watch 
On this side of the prison, found the door 
Of Katharina's cell unbarred and chainless. 

G ALIAS. 

Hath she then 'scaped ? 

CENTURION. 
Not so ; he straight assured him 
(Half op'ning that same door) the pris'ner lay- 
Therein — (and sleeping, as him seemed). He hasted 
To draw both bolt and bar ; and ere the light, 
Did tell to me this chance — if chance it were. 

GALLUS. 
I praise his watchfulness and thine. That he 
Did mark, is passing strange ; and thereinto 
'T is fit we look ; what thence I may trace out 
Of Christian plots, or knav'ry of our jailors, 
I '11 tell thee when I 've learnt, as learn I shall, 
Ere long, now thou the clue hast giv'n. 

CENTURION. 

I take 
My leave. 

GALLUS. 
Farewell ; but — speak not in the city 
Of this thou 'st told me — no — nor in the cohort. 

CENTURION. 

No ear shall hear thereof. \_E.vit Centurion. 

GALLUS. 

She 's not dull-witted, 
To fail of guessing what almost was told her, 
Nor tim'rous, from a venture for her life 
To shrink, because 't was doubtful ; I did hope 
She 'd deem that some of her own sect had oped her 
A path to flight. 

{Enter the Soldier who conversed with GALLUS in the pre- 
ceding Act.) 
{To the Soldier) Did none in the first watch 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 83 

Walk forth from th' inner prison, as I told thee 
It might befall? 

SOLDIER. 

No, none. 

GALLUS. 

She hath not fled 
Elsewhere ? Thou 'rt sure ? 

SOLDIER. 

I said there came forth none 
Through the first watch ; but knoweth the Proconsul 
That he who kept the mid-watch — 

GALLUS. 

I have heard 
Those tidings ; hie thee hence, and take no note, 
In outward seeming, of the talk may pass 
Thereon. \Exit Soldier. 

And here I 've waited ! deeming ever 
(Though the first watch was spent) 't was possible 
Some chance had but delayed her, and good hap 
Might bring her still, where — if she 'd once set foot, — 
Methinks she had met her master ! one unwont 
To let his luck slip by, as did the fool 
Porphyrius ! Can it be my Lybian slave 
Betrayed me, and by naming of my name 
Affrighted the shy bird ? Were 't not that here 
In Alexandria, there is many a one, 
Both Greek and Jew, doth watch my ev'ry step 
In hate and envy, I had sought ere now 
Myself her prison cell ; but through the city 
'T were noised straightway. Unto her fate I needs 
Must leave that beauty. Than herself I were 
E'en madder, if I perilled aught to save 
What I may ne'er enjoy. 

{Enter archippus.) 

'T is earlier, friend, 
Than here I 'm wont to see thee ! Nay, thou 'rt welcome ! 
But say, what hath befall'n ? 

ARCHIPPUS. 

Not yet hath aught 
Befall'n : and therefore have I come to warn thee 



84 si. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. 

Of that which might betide. Porphyrins 

(As thou didst prophecy), with his own madness 

Infceteth Lyeophron, persuadeth him 

To credit sland*rous tables, talks as though 

He owned some proof, writ in thy hand, to show thee 

Lawless and false. 

GALLUS. 

What proof? 

ARCIIIPPUS. 

'T is like he forged it ; 
But 't is a strip of parchment or papyrus, 
I know not which, wherein (he says) thou biddest 
Kath'rina seek thee, tell'st her that the gates 
Shall open to her touch. 

GALLUS. 

Such meed we gain 
Who strive to bear us faithfully ! Because 
I hearkened not to him, and somewhat scrupled 
To break Rome's law and Caesar's, but to serve 
A lover's pleasure, lo ! this plot he weaves 
Against mine honour and my life ! And saidst thou 
That Lyeophron had listened to his tales ? 

ARCHIPPUS. 

I fear me sore he hath, 

GALLUS. 

And 't is their aim 
To spread this calumny ? 

ARCHIPPUS. 

Unless by deeds, 
Rather than warning words thou hinder them, 
By the first hour of day throughout the city 
'T will run. Porphyrius in the market-place 
Will ring the change on each high-sounding word 
That ever fooled the many. 

\At a signal from GALLUS, a Slave comes 
forward, and after receiving some whis- 
pered directions, disappears. 

GALLUS. 

Yes, he fain 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 85 

Would talk unto the multitude of wrongs 
Dealt on the innocent by tyrant force 

And Roman cruelty ! but scarce I 'm minded 

This time to let our citizens enjoy 

Instruction from his tongue. I thank thee, friend, 

For these thy tidings, which, an hour delayed, 

Had little profited to save this city 

From tumult and from blood. 

\A band of Soldiers, headed by a Centurion, 
appears in the hall. 

Now ere the spark 
Have falfn among the straw, (for thereunto 
The Alexandrian crowd may well be likened), 
'T is mine to quench it. Dwells the Antiochian 
Still under thy friend's roof? 

ARCHIPPUS. 

"T was there I left him 
But now ; for thither had Nicanor called me 
Before the light, to ask me in the porch 
My counsel for himself. 

GALLUS {to the Soldiers). 
Haste ye to bring 
Fast bound to my tribunal, Lycophron, 
Son of Charistus, and Porphyrius 
His guest from Antioch. 

[ Exeunt Centurions and Soldiers. 
{To archippus) Sawest thou the writing 
He said was mine ? 

archippus. 
I did but hear thereof. 
GALLUS. 
And saith he who did give the same to him ? 

ARCHIPPUS. 

If aught were true he talked of — 't was Kath'rina. 

GALLUS {aside). 
Then 't is her life or mine ! {Aloud) So ! she stands firm 
Unto her faith, but holds it not a crime, 
With sland'rous fables to belie the judge 
Whose mercy she despises ! 



86 8T. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

\K( HIPPUS. 

I know not 
Thai Katharina hath or voice or part 
In this, wherein she 's but the instrument 
Tliat serves another's fury. 

GALLUS. 

It may be ; 

But one whose name 's a handle for sedition, 
Disturbs the State ; and them who serve such purpose 
Must we remove ; yea, speedily. 

[gallus, after beckoning to another band of 
Soldiers, waiting unseen in the adjoining 
gallery, goes to a table and hastily sign* 
a parchment. 

{Aside) Proud Christian, 
When pressed betwixt the wheels, too late wilt thou 
Repent thy stiff-necked folly ! To Porphyrius — 
To him she seemed to scorn — hath she betrayed me ! 
I 've borne me like a boy ! And fit it is 

{Enter Soldiers). 
That I be mocked like one. But she shall pay 
For that she 's cost me. 
{Aloud to the Soldiers as he gives the parchment to their 

leader.) Be the prisoner, 
The Christian, Katharina, straight led forth 
To instant execution. \Exewnt Soldiers. 

ARCH1PPUS. 

This is sudden ! 



'T is just ; and I was moon-struck when I gave her 
The respite she — or her's — have used to plot in. 
Her father and Porphyrius shall behold 
Her doom's fulfilment ; well if they submit them 
In silence ; for a factious threat, a murmur, 
Will prove them that they are — conspirators — 
Against the empire's order ! And perchance 
'T were good I gave this day a bloody warning 
To rebels, as to Christians, in this city. 

| /<„>, mit <• vi.ii.- and AROHIPPUS. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 87 

Scene II. The Market-place in Alexandria. Temple 
of Jupiter in the background. Immediately before it 
is the scaffold, on which are placed the wheels of torture. 
The throng of Citizens, in the midst of which are 
lycophron, porphyrius, and nicanor, is gradually 
increased by the entrance of Alexandrians of all 



NICANOR (to LYCOPHRON and PORPHYRIUS). 

'T will not avail ! (To the Citizens) 'T were better ye 

dispersed 
Ere came worse evil ! 

LYCOPHRON. 

Gallus can but slay 
One who is weary of a life that 's blasted 
With woes and wrongs ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

How think ye, citizens, 
Of that man's justice, who, with well-feigned zeal 
For Caesar and the gods, to death condemning 
A free-born maid, whose pardon he denies 
Unto her father's prayer, yet seeks t' entice her 
By night into his palace from her prison, 
Ye all may think wherefore ? The maid is sprung 
From Lycophron. . . . The man. . . .'T is your Proconsul ! 

nicanor (to the Citizens and porphyricjs). 
Nay, but there lacketh proof ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

There lacketh none ! 
(To nicanor) Thyself didst know his hand ! 

NICANOR. 

I said, in sooth 



T' was like, but. 



PORPHYRIUS. 
'T is his own ! 

(To the Citizens) Draw near, and see 
Such proof as shall declare what honesty 
Lives in your ruler's breast, what true intent 
And blameless purpose guide the acts of Gallus ! 



88 st. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

Enter a body of Soldu r.< led by <( t '< nturion, who approaches 

LYCOPHRON and PORPHYRIUS. 
CENTURION. 

In the Proconsul's name, tor factious words, 
And deeds rebellious, I hereby command ye, 
Porphyrius of Antioch, Lycophron, 
Son of Charistus, follow where we lead 
To the Proconsul's presence. 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Face to face 
Shall Gallus hear from me the accusation 
I here have laid against him; but to these 
First would I show the token that doth prove him 

[The Soldiers, at a sign from their Chief, 
lay hands on lycophron and por- 
phyrius. 
That thing he is. {To the Citizens.) Stand by us, friends ! 
[The Alexandrian Elders and Citizens 
draw back as the Soldiers seize LYCO- 
PHRON and porphyrius. 

NICANOR. 

Thus ever 
Hath it befallen them who looked for help 
Or justice, through the valour of a crowd! 

[While the Soldiers are fettering LYCO- 
PHRON and PORPHYRIUS, ARCHIPPUS 
emerges from the throng, and draws near 
NICANOR. 

ARCHIPPUS. 

Is 't possible ? Porphyrius bound ? Our friend too ! 



Thou seest it ; hard I strove to rein them in 
From this their rashness. Still, 't is marvellous 
That Gallus, as by divination prompted, 
Should, ere Porphyrius' lip had yet accused him, 
Send forth this band ! Think'st thou that it could be 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 89 

He 'd heard of aught we spake of in the porch 
Of Lycophron ere dawn? 

ARCHIPPUS. 

I may not say 
That 't is impossible (though fain I 'd hold 
It were) for wondrous is the speed wherewith 
All flies, I know not how, into his ear. 

Enter gallus attended by Lictors, and a numerous body 
of Soldiers, who line the square of the Market-place. 

NICANOR. 
Behold ! he comes ! and glaring angrily 
Upon those twain ! 

ARCHIPPUS. 

He fears them. 

NICANOR. 

'T is the more 
Of peril to their lives ! No hate like that 

Which fear doth breed ! But he delays not hastens 

At once to meet, and straightway smite his foes. 

[gallus ascends the judgment-seat, lyco- 
phron and porph yrius are placed before 
him ; the Scribes and other Assistants seat 
themselves in the same order as in the first 
scene of the Second Act. 

ARCHIPPUS. 
And therein doth he well, if he would keep 
His rule — perchance his life. So much I needs 
Must say, though grieving for thy kinsman's sake. 

nicanor {looking at lycophron). 
He hearkened not to me, was borne along 
By the boy's wrath, and thought not the Proconsul 
Could deal thus swiftly ; had the cohort tarried 
Awhile, it may be Greeks and Jews had banded 
Together 'gainst him ; as we 've seen ere now 
In Alexandrian tumults ; and so far 
I would they 'd braved him, as might have compelled 
His freeing of the damsel. 



90 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

ARCHIPPU8. 

Hush, take heed ! 
There are who mark thee. Now would Gallus speak. 

GALLUS. 
Well pleased am I, ye men of Alexandria, 
That neither few nor mean are ye who 've thronged 
To witness that, which I to-day am called 
In virtue of my place to execute. 
For I would have ye know, that not for naught 
I punish or rebuke, whate'er the tongue 
Of busy malice whisper. Ye have heard 
(For, though the judgment in my dwelling's court, 
Not here, did pass, no secret was the act) 
Ye 've heard, I say, that Katharina, daughter 
Of Lycophron, the Christian faith confessing, 

By me to death was sentenced I forbore 

To speed the doom's fulfilment; in three days 

She might recall unsay what in ill hour 

She 'd spoken ; but by tidings sure (though gained 

Through means I give no 'count of save to Caesar) 

I 've learnt but now she hath employed that space 

In mercy granted, to devise a lie, 

Which, by her kin repeated, should affix 

Black stains upon my name ; wherefore, now hopeless 

Of her repentance (who from clemency 

Allowed her, framed a weapon wherewithal 

To pierce the ruler who right fain had spared her) 

I here condemn her in your sight and theirs 

Wliom her false tongue deluded, not alone 

As Christian, 'twixt yon wheels to expiate 

Her crime, but as rebellious unto Czesar, 

And him who wields his might. This hour must see 

Her punishment, who, if till this day's noon 

She 'd lived, had wrought confusion and revolt 

In your fair city. 

PORPHYRIUS. 
"Worse than worst confusion 
Is slav'ry to a lustful hypocrite ! 

LYCOPHRON. 
Right careful arc you of your lives, ye elders 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 91 

Of Alexandria ! Heed ye each as much 
Your honour? 

GALLUS. 

Well I know whereunto point 
These words. I 've heard the tale ! But wherewith 

prove ye 
Your accusation ? 

PORPHYRIUS. 
With the lines which these 
By force have snatched from me — the lines thy hand 
Did write — which thine own slave to her did give 
Who gave them me. 

gallus {to the centurion). 

Reach here the scroll {receiving and 
examining the strip of parchment). That some 
Have forged it skilfully, 't is plain ; that some too 
Have bribed my Lybian boy, 't is like ; this morn 
He 's fled ; none sees him in my house. The keeping 
Of this great city's peace, to me entrusted, 
And by these madmen perilled, doth demand 
Both safeguard and example. When the wrath 
Of gods and men, by Katharina's fate 
Hath been appeased, by mine authority, 
As Cassar's delegate, for treas'nous acts, 
And speech seditious, I ordain that these, 
Lycophron and Porphyrius, with their heads 
Do answer for their fault ; necessity 
Dispensing with such forms as would delay 
Just judgment. 

A guarded litter is borne in, out of which katharina steps. 

KATHARINA. 

I give thanks to the Proconsul 
That he hath shortened the long agony 

Wherein I panted; but My father bound ! 

Yea, and Porphyrius ! 

centurion. 

Child of Lycophron, 
In evil hour for thee and thine was taught thee 
The Galihean's lore ! Upon thy sire, 



92 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

And on thy bridegroom doth th' avenging demon 
Wreak thine impiety; since, be they guilty. 
Or but ill-starred, for treason wrought or purposed, 
They 're doomed to death. 

KATHARINA. 

To death ! 

GALLUS. 

Thank thou thyself 
Kath'rina, for their fate ! Thou shouldst have thought 
Thereon, when thou didst give this forgery 
Unto Porphyrins. 

KATHARINA. 
I did yield it up 

Unwillingly from whence it came I knew not 

If with ill end 't was writ, the Lord forgive 
Its writer, from whose snares by heav'nly grace 
I 'scaped ! But spare them, Gallus ! 't is enough 
One of our house do perish ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Ask him not 
Favour or right for me ! Could I have moved {looking 

at the Citizens) 
These slaves in time, 't is we should sit on him 
In judgment ! Well I knew or he or I 
Should fall, but deemed such chance was worth the 

taking 
For thee, Kath'rina ! 

KATHARINA. 

How may I sustain 
That which I thought in patient hope to bear, 
Now that I "m made unto my father's doom 
The hapless instrument I Again I pray thee 

{To lycopiiron) 
Forgive thy child ! 

LYCOPIIRON. 

Since thou to worlds beneath 
Wouldst needs betake thee, the old man thou leavest 
Alone as well may share thy lot as wail it. 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 93 

KATHARINA. 

Alas ! e'en more than your dear lives ye 've ventured 
For me ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 
Said I not, Oh my love, our life-thread 
Was intertwined ? An envious Fate forbids 
That I should save thee, but — where thou dost go, 
I follow ! and will love thee e'en in Hades ! 

KATHARINA. 

In Hades ! If indeed thou 'dst look on me, 
When both are disentangled from this clay, 
Thou must — yet living — call on Him who died 
For thee and me ; since to His home I go ! 
Thou too, my father 

LYCOPHRON. 

Tell me not ! Thy God 
Too dear hath cost me ! 

KATHARINA. 

For this cause it is 
That I so ill endure that ye should perish 
In darkness ! (To porphyrias) I did hope some gleam 

had shone 
From the true light already upon thee, 
And thence reflected on my sire, might dawn 
Ere long. Now would I that some sign — some marvel — 
In visible defiance of that order 
Which guides our earth's course, should accompany 
My parting hence, that so in my last hour 
Ye might confess His might, and win His grace, 
Who doth receive all them who truly turn 
Unto him for that space, how short soe'er 
That 's giv'n them ! 

GALLUS. 

Katharina, thou hast spent 
Th' allotted minutes. Haste thee to ascend 
The scaffold. 

porphyrius (to the Citizens and Soldiers). 
Will ye look upon this deed ? 



94 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDR] L 



KATHARINA. 

God calm thy heart, Porphyrins ! Farewell, father! 

[katiiauina begins to ascend the steps of 
the scaffold. 

GALLUS {to KATHARINA ). 

Seest thou the wheels ? Consider ! yet ruay'st thou 

Confess thy treason, and repent thereof, 

E'en as of thine impiety ; but once 

I 've giv'n the signal, none can stop the rush 

Of the sharp circles that shall rend thy flesh 

To atoms ere thou perish. 

KATHARINA. 

I but ask thee 
Space for a moment's pray'r to Him for whom 
I willingly endure the pains decreed me. 

GALLUS. 
I grant it, so 't is brief. 

[KATHARINA, on the steps of the scaffold, 
stands facing the multitude, both hands 
raised to 



KATHARINA. 

Thou 'st said, Oh, Lord, 
That thou wouldst ever hear their pray'r who ask 
Believing ! And in fulness of that faith, 
And hope and love, wherewith thou hast endued me, 
At my life's term, I do implore of thee, 
By baring of thine arm, by plain and open 
Forth-showing of thy strength, at once to smite 
Thy bride with speedy death, and from those twain 
I leave on earth, to ward the fate would yield them 
Untaught of Thee, and unbaptized, to perish ! 
Lo ! thou hast heard ! for in my soul I feel 
Thine answer, my Redeemer and my Lord ! 
Strike ! for I wait the blow that shall divide me 
From all earth's fears and woes ! Behold the ring 
Unsullied ! for I 've proved my love ! Now call 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 95 

Thy martyr to Thy home ! there crowned and clad 
In bridal white, to gaze on thee for ever ! 

[A thunderbolt from a cloudless sky shivers 
the wheels of torture, fells both scaffold 
and executioners to the ground, and strik- 
ing katharina herself on the breast, lays 
her dead among the ruins. A sudden 
gloom overspreads the earth ; Citizens 
and Soldiers, including G-allus, nica- 
NOR and archippus, fly on all sides ; 
the shackles fall from the hands of lyco- 
phron and porphyrius, who remain 
alone kneeling beside the body. 
PORPHYRIUS. 
Her pray'r is heard ! Her God hath visibly 
Revealed Him ! — but hath snatched her hence e'en while 
Avenging of her wrong ! The lambent flame 
That circles her fair brow enough dispels 
The gath'ring gloom, that we should see how pale, 
How lifeless is this form ! 

LYCOPHRON. 

And yet unscathed 
By the hot bolt she lies ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

Behold ! 't is here 
It smote ! and in a cross's form 't is branded 
On her white breast ! Yea, thus with His own token 
The Crucified hath claimed her ! 

LYCOPHRON. 

Hath it been 
His might which thus breaks forth ? Lo ! how the fane 
Of Jove doth totter to its base ! doth quake 
As quakes th' affrighted earth ! Column and porch 
And roof in fragments sink ! — in crashing ruin ! 

CHORUS. 

" Lord, to Thee by night and day, 
Strong in hope we sing and pray." 

lycophron {rising). 
Whence is that sound? Who bend their steps this way? 



96 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 

porphyrius (his eyes still fixed on katharina's body). 
Methinke that they be Christians, whom the Bight 

Of this wide square deserted thus, emboldens 
To tread it, chanting as they go. It may be 
They knew what should befall, and come t' adore her. 

Chorus of CHRISTIANS entering, led by a PRIEST. 
" Though convulsions rock the ground, 
And thy thunders roll around, 
Still to thee by night and day, 
Strong in hope we sing and pray !" 

LYCOPHRON. 

Whoe'er ye be, who thus amid the strife 

And uproar of the elements, sing forth 

Your songs in seeming peace, turn hence, withdraw 

Your presence from the mourners who sit here 

Wailing their dead. 

CHRISTIAN PRIEST. 

To wail the dead we also 
Are come — no, not to wail — to honour rather 
With hymn and pray'r unto her God and ours, 
The virgin Katharina, who ('t was told us) 
Hath perished by heav'n's bolt, by cruelty 
Of man untouched. 

porphyrius {looking up, but without rising from the 
ground). 
'T was truly told ye, Christians, 
If such ye be, for here on earth doth lie 
That fairest maid, that holiest, and that gentlest, 
Whom, but for your sad lore, I should have held 
Living within mine arms, where now she resteth 
Lifeless, and cold, and soulless. To her God 
And yours she hath departed, well I know ; 
She needs nor hymn nor pray'r to speed her heav'nward ! 
Wherefore unto her father and to me 
Leave ye her fun'ral rites, which we would pay 
Untroubled. 

( 'I I HIST I AN PRIEST. 

If the Being of our Lord 



ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 97 

So far thou own, to her thou lov'dst deny not 
Observance of such acts as shall declare 
In faith of whom she lived and died. 

LYCOPHRON. 

I give not 
My child to the cold earth, with rites half Jewish, 
Half barbarous ! the sacred flame to ashes 
Shall burn her corpse, as once it burned her mother's ; 
Depart ! 

CHRISTIAN PRIEST. 

We would but greet the martyred maid 
With one brief song. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Ye fear not to uplift 
Forbidden orisons ? 

CHRISTIAN PRIEST. 

The stern Proconsul 
Lies crushed beneath yon idol's shattered dome, 
Whereto he fled in terror from the fire 
Of heav'n descending on his guilty head. 

LYCOPHRON. 

Your God hath dealt just judgment ; ne'ertheless 
A father's right it is — (the dearest too, 
Because the saddest) to his child to give 
In his own guise what to the dead we owe. 

CHRISTIAN PRIEST. 

In sullen grief he 's turned away ; the sorrow 

Of them who know not God doth but corrode 

The unregen'rate heart. Ha ! what hath gleamed 

Above, around, as 't were a second dawning ? 

Behold yon rosy cloud that floateth near 

And nearer ! In mid air it hov'reth — sinketh — 

Changing its hue to golden as it meeteth 

Earth's verge ! The youth perceives it not — his eyes 

Are fixed in hopeless longing on her form 

With whose bright spirit his in vain would commune ! 

VOICE FROM THE CLOUD. 

Withdraw thy clasping arms, Porphyrius, 



7/ 



lis ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. &>&¥*/ 

From the dead maiden ! Rise, and thou shall see, 
Thou and her sire, what fun'ral rites awail her. 



A might unknown compelleth me ! Who spake 
From out the cloud? It breaks — dissolves ! What light 
Within it shines? The veiling mist hath vanished ! 
And palpably to sense four winged genii 
Stand forth ! The first with lily-wreaths hath crowned 

her ! 
The second in her hand hath laid his palm-branch ! 
And tw 7 o have poised them on their silv'ry pinions 
Above ! They bend — they lift her hence — they bear her 
Aloft! Whence come ye? Say! and whither speed ye ? 

CHRISTIAN PRIEST. 
The messengers of God they be, come hither 
From rites idolatrous to save the frame 
Where dwelt that sainted soul, and give to view 
Of them who else were blind, the wondrous grace 
Her love and her endurance earned on high. 

LYCOPIIRON. 

Eastward they soar ! still eastward ! Unto thee 
Who e'er shall guide me, Oh my child ! 

PORPHYRIUS. 

There 's one 
Shall guide us thither ! He who by the light 
Of yonder parting glory beckons us 
To follow where she leads ! The Christians' God 
Is God alone ! — and life or death betide, 
His faith will I confess, who thus doth call me ! 



THE END. 



London : F. Shorerl, Printer, 51, Rofert Street, II 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 527 121 6 



